WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says he has been impressed with the way his players have responded to the 61-point drubbing Geelong handed them in their much-hyped clash on Saturday.

A positive post-match review on Monday has left Eade confident his men can turn around their form in time for Sunday's twilight meeting with Carlton at Telstra Dome.

"It's a very honest group and I thought they were probably more disappointed than anybody after the game," Eade said.

"You can tell that. They weren't flat but they were certainly down and disappointed in their own efforts.

"But we've had a pretty good review and they were pretty positive about going forward and what we can do to rectify it."

He also said the players were particularly upset with the lack of intensity they showed after halftime, and would look to restore their renowned consistent work rate against Carlton – and beyond – this weekend. 

"We spoke about the last quarter and they were reasonably honest with the way they felt," he said.

"When a couple of things don't go your way a bit of doubt can creep in.

"In those situations in the past during the year, we've done pretty well and we've been in losable spots and been able to dig ourselves out of that.

"I think the guys have got confidence that sort of situation won't happen again."

Eade said the Blues were "pretty impressive" against Sydney last Sunday, and labelled the game as important for his side given the testing run to September it's set to endure.

"They were good, they were pretty impressive," he said.

"They're a good running side and their pressure was pretty good. They worked extremely hard and I don't think we're under any illusions of where they're at.

"We knew going into the Geelong game we've got a tough run home. Carlton, and then we play three away games in the last five weeks, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, and we play the Kangas again.

"We know where we're at in that situation, which I think will be a good lead into the finals."

He also said the Dogs won't be underestimating the 11th-placed side this Sunday, and will look to once again assert their authority in the middle.

"They've got some really key players, if you want to look at that angle, but the other angle is more about what we've got to worry about," he said.

"I think we've got to get back on the horse with what our strengths have been this year.

"We've got to win the stoppages, win the midfield, and win the contested ball, but that's the same every week, and that's the focus again."