Coming up against one of the in-form teams in the competition, Luke Dahlhaus says pressure around the ball and executing team structures will be crucial in Saturday night’s clash against Geelong at Etihad Stadium.
The small forward said the Western Bulldogs would throw their all at the undefeated Cats outfit but the onus was on every individual to step up and play their role.
“It’s a big task but it’s a challenge we are ready to take, obviously they are on the pedestal as the best team in the competition, so we are going to go out there with everything that we’ve got,” Dahlhaus said.
After a strong start to the season, overshadowing NAB Cup grand finalists Brisbane Lions, the Bulldogs have suffered three consecutive losses against top eight fancies Fremantle, Richmond and Adelaide Crows.
Dahlhaus said pressure around the ground would be a key factor in restricting the Cat’s influence, while the Bulldogs’ ability to defend their own forward half will be vital to stretch Geelong’s back six.
“It’s like every week, especially against the Cats, there has to be pressure in the midfield but that comes also from the forwards and the backs so we don’t let it into [their] forward 50,” he said.
While the 20-year-old has also been attracting more attention from opposition players this year, he is optimistic that he can make further strides in shaking the tag this week.
“I’ve gotta keep working on my footy, keep working on my fitness and obviously keep running off and add a few more strings to my bow - attracting good players like that for me is good to release someone else.”
Dahlhaus said his teammates would also be looking to be more efficient with the ball and if they can consistently implement their game plan, the Bulldogs can compete with any team in the league.
“We need to set up very well, with lots of pressure around the ball and hopefully using the ball a bit [better],” he said.
“We obviously had a bad run with injuries, I think every club does, but we are confident in our game plan, it’s just setting it up close to 100% as we can.
