WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says he’s still looking for utopia as his side entered the mid-season break with a convincing 60 point win over the West Coast Eagles at Subiaco.

West Coast applied constant pressure for three quarters before being overwhelmed by the class of the Bulldogs, who kicked 6.7 in the final term to kill off the home side’s challenge.

Eade said he expected a strong showing by West Coast and was disappointed with his team’s effort early in the game.

“We knew that West Coast were under the pump; they’ve been under the blowtorch for at least a week,” Eade said.

“Teams do respond and we knew they would and they did. They won the contested ball early.

“I think in the second quarter we started to get back on top in contested ball, uncontested possession (and) we started to win some stoppages.

“We thought they were getting goals out the back door a bit but once we addressed at half time with our backs where they needed to position themselves, their goals dried up.

“So for us to weather that storm was pleasing and then to break away, here in Perth especially, was really pleasing.”

The Western Bulldogs go into the break with an 8-5 win-loss record and Eade said he believed there was still room for improvement in the second half of the season.

“I think as a coach you’re always going to look for utopia, aren’t you?” Eade said.

“I thought there were some very good signs last week and there were some good signs today.

 “I think we need to do it more consistently but I was pleased with the way we played today; we’re not far away from what we’d like to do.”

“Most clubs are pleased when the bye comes but now having two wins in a row, and then you get back [Shaun] Higgins, [Tom] Williams will be available, Callan Ward will be available next game, it gives us some selection issues which is pleasing. 

“We’re finding some kids that are going to cement their spots and not just be token kids that need games. We’re revamping the side and we think there’s an upside going forward.”

Eade said skipper Brad Johnson had come through the game unscathed after a long break with a calf injury and Brian Lake played out the game despite a pre-match scare over a locked hip.

The Western Bulldogs will face a tougher assignment after the break when they meet a resurgent Hawthorn in a Friday night clash at the MCG.