WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade believes his side's 63-point win over the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday was the Dogs' best four quarter effort for the season.

Eade said in terms of intensity, it was his team's top performance of the season.

"I know we were down by a couple of points at quarter-time, but we probably should've been ahead … that's our best four quarter return as far as effort for the whole time, across the playing group, this year," Eade said post-match.

Eade spoke about Adam Cooney's exceptional performance against the Lions, but he said the goalkicking midfielder needed to keep stringing those types of efforts together before he could be branded as an elite player.

"I think you've got to do that for a period of time. Adam's been building towards his performances at the moment and he was only a young lad when he started … last year he had OP (osteitis pubis) and didn't start pre-season until February," Eade said.

"There has been a bit of pressure on him, because he was the number one [draft pick], but the work he's done over the summer – he's coping with a tag very well – and he's increased his body strength and he's been able to maintain his pace.

"Players that I've coached, you probably assess that towards the end of his career."

Another outstanding contributor in the Bulldogs' win was Jason Akermanis, who turned it on against his former side with three goals and 20 touches. Eade said Aka was "as normal as he can be" leading up to the match. 

"Coming against his old team, he's got a fair bit more to offer as far as the opposition (goes) … He offered a bit of advice and thoughts at match committee and … most of his stuff was spot on," Eade said.

"He had a bit of a quiet period there, in maybe the second quarter, but I think in his last half, he really showed his wares and it was great."

Despite his team's emphatic victory, Eade didn't believe the Lions had been shown up in regards their status in the competition.

"I think Brisbane today played a few players who were sore – you could tell that," Eade said.

"Whether they had numbers to replace them, I'm not too sure, but there were a few players who were a little bit sore and they had a couple out.

"They've done well against really good teams -- Sydney aren't in the top three and I think they're as good as any team in the top eight as well … I don't think there is going to be much between the (top eight).

"Collingwood beat Geelong by 80 points and you're going to have down days and you're going to have good days, and I don't think you can judge it on any one performance."