Senior Coach Brendan McCartney believes the Western Bulldogs already beginning to reap  dividends from the coaching staff's investment in their players.

“We are really confident we are putting the basics of a solid, well-rounded game structure around our players, fully confident in the way we are developing our younger people,” McCartney said.

“We are seeing some more experienced players redefine how they play and do things that are more conducive to the team functioning better.

“We are seeing some progression, but this game at this level tests you and we have another significant challenge in three days.”

Improved fluency with ball in hand and more consistent defensive efforts have been key drivers in the Bulldogs' recent form, allowing the young side to dictate the terms of play for longer periods.

“We are defending a little better and we are a bit smarter with the ball,” he said.

“A lot of our younger players are starting to see the game a bit better and feel that they belong out there.”

Work on the training track is also being more seamlessly transferred into games as the young team matures and gains senior experience.

“I think our players have shown… over the last three or four weeks, a lot of the training we have been doing and a lot of things we have been putting in place,” he said.

“A lot of young people are maturing bit by bit and they are dealing with the game a little bit better.”