We can bounce back

The 39-point loss was a combination of a poor effort from our players and a strong showing from the Bulldogs.

This season continues to prove that if you’re not at your best against any side, top or bottom, you will get found out.

There’s been talk about our ladder position now being under threat.

While a top-two place is very important to us, it won’t be on our mind when we face East Perth in Joondalup this weekend.

Looking at ladder positions doesn’t affect the way you play football.

We need to rebound from a poor performance, which we have proven we are more than capable of doing.

The side has produced solid, team-orientated football and that’s what we’ll be focusing on this week, not ladder positions.

The fact we’re playing a side that’s looking for our spot on the table is irrelevant.

Of course, it’s important in terms of how the season pans out, but we can’t concentrate on that more than we concentrate on the actual game.

We battled a few injuries the last time we faced the Royals and dropped off in the last quarter.

The players will need to produce a four-quarter effort if we’re to win on Saturday.

Ray Bartholomew will be up for selection for the first time since he injured his calf early last month.

Matt Johnson will come back through the reserves, while Laine Rasmussen is still experiencing complications with a cork.