WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade has rated his team's 64-point win over Melbourne on Friday night as its best performance of the season so far.

The Bulldogs jumped to a 25-point lead early in the second quarter and were never headed, piling on six goals to one in the final quarter to give their confidence a handy boost.

"That's the best we've played this year, there's no doubt about that," Eade said post-match.

"(It was the best performance) on a few fronts, the consistency of it for sure, being able to kick enough goals, our ball use was a lot better, and I think our pressure was a lot better as well.

"We were able to cause a lot more turnovers, so from that aspect it was pleasing."

The Bulldogs were well served by their string of classy top-line players, with Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen, Callan Ward, Daniel Giansiracusa and Shaun Higgins all outstanding.

Eade said the form of his top tier had been a telling factor in the Bulldogs' run of three straight wins after several stars endured injury-marred starts to the season.

"We've changed our style a bit and we're doing some different things, and it's taken a while for players to grasp it," Eade said.

"But if you've got your good players in and your good players play well … you can have the most crap system and you're still going to be able to play well.

"So that certainly helps, there's no doubt about it."

The veteran coach saved particular praise for Higgins, who held dangerous Demon Colin Sylvia to 13 possessions while gathering 26 of his own and booting two goals.

It was a further step forward in the 23-year-old's new role as a creative half-back.

"I thought it was probably the best game he's played for the club," Eade said.

"He's beaten a good opponent and given us some drive."

The Bulldogs are now just two points adrift of the top eight, and Eade said the club's goal is to take part in September.

"We want to make the finals," he said.

"We're in control of our own destiny to a degree.

"If we'd lost tonight we'd have been 10 points out and probably no chance, but we're back within two points and we don't have to depend on other teams."

Talented midfielder Ward was in the headlines during the week following reports that he has been heavily courted by expansion team Greater Western Sydney with a lucrative long-term offer.

The speculation was clearly no distraction as the 21-year-old gathered 25 disposals and kicked two goals.

Eade said he would have no hesitation in continuing to select Ward, even if he announced he was transferring to the new club.

"Some people don't agree with that, but I've got no problems with it," Eade said.

"We're not putting any pressure from a playing and coaching point of view.

"I think he knows … how much we want him to stay, and the powers-that-be will be talking to his management group at the right time.

"From our point of view, he's a future leader.

"He knows where he sits in our group and he's really highly regarded."

Eade reported Ed Barlow as the team's only injury concern.

The former Sydney Swan was subbed from the game with a dislocated finger during the fourth quarter.