WESTERN Bulldogs forward Jarrod Harbrow believes the Bulldogs should be able to find enough enthusiasm each week to turn out match-winning performances despite the fact they are locked into a top three finish.

"That should be our motivation – that we're up there and up there with the best, so we should take that in each week that we're better than most of the other teams," he said, after the Dogs' 20-point loss to North Melbourne.

"We've just got to concentrate on winning each week for the next three games we have, and each game is very crucial to give us good momentum going into finals, so we can't forget about that.

"Momentum is so important because it gives the players confidence."

For the second week running, the Dogs were pipped at the starting blocks and made to chase their opponents with the Roos streaking to a 26-point lead by the first break.

Harbrow said such sloppy first quarters are costing the side, and conceded it won't be granted as much leeway against sides like Geelong with such performances.

"We just had to win the contested ball and get it out the middle from the start and get it down forward, which is what happened in the second half," he said.

"We were able to bounce back in the second half but we'd already let it get away from us.

"We go out there to win the first quarter and that's our main aim. If we don't get the little things right and get in there and get the hard ball, teams will beat us.

"Winning the hard ball and contested footy is important for starts and it's not going our way at the moment, but hopefully we'll be able to get that right at training this week."

Harbrow has played the last five games in the seniors after breaking into the side following an eight-week stint in the reserves.

"I'm getting all the little things right," he said, when asked how he's managed to hold his spot.

"My main role is to get the defensive pressure right and tackle and chase.

"All teams need at least a few players that are able to do that, so if I'm able to get the defensive pressure right, I'll keep my spot in the team and goals will come as a bonus.

"But defensive pressure is my core, and it's what keeps me going."