THE WESTERN Bulldogs' barnstorming start to the year has them optimistic about finishing high on the ladder, according to midfielder Daniel Cross.

The unbeaten Dogs are currently third on the AFL ladder with six wins and a draw and have a healthy squad to attack the next seven weeks, with only Scott West (knee) and Shaun Higgins (ankle) on the sidelines.

They face a crucial period up until the split weekend in round 14, playing Hawthorn in Launceston, St Kilda at Telstra Dome and last year's grand finalists Port Adelaide.

"The start that we've had certainly does gives us a chance to look at [finishing in the top four] in the future but the next block of seven weeks is really going to determine whether we can really seriously look at that," Cross said.

"It's really only early days, I think finals is still just on the agenda, like every team [but] ourselves, Geelong and Hawthorn certainly can look at [a top four finish] if we keep going the way we are in the next few weeks."

Cross said the AFL bye weekend had done wonders for the group, who had started to feel the effects of playing to win more of the contested ball.

"It gives the guys a good chance to recover and relax, catch up with their families," Cross said.

"I think everyone's rejuvenated and set to go for another seven weeks so I think it came at a good time."

But the Dogs' focus will be on producing a hit-and-run mission when they travel to Subiaco to face the beleaguered Fremantle on Sunday.

Cross said the Dockers would be a much tougher proposition following the criticism they received after surrendering a 51-point lead to Melbourne.