Western Bulldogs star midfielder Marcus Bontempelli is yet to tinker with the AFL ladder predictor ahead of the last two games of the year with the Dogs only percentage outside the top 8.
Heading into games against GWS this weekend and Adelaide in the final round, Bontempelli said his side needs to keep their focus on holding their winning form rather than where they sit on the ladder.
“It’s been good for us to hit a bit of form post the bye,” Bontempelli said on SEN Breakfast.
“Then playing a few games that have put us in a position to hopefully do something further, but our mentality is we’ve got to stick to what we’ve been doing the last few weeks and let the results pan out themselves."
However, Bontempelli did admit the ever-changing nature of their ladder position and form within the league has kept the flame flickering for his side throughout the season.
“Things can change from a ladder perspective very quickly, and even form. That’s been a good thing for us to realise," he said.
The Bulldogs sit in 10th spot with an even win-loss ledger of 10-10 and if they can overcome the Giants at Spotless Stadium this weekend then a finals-like Round 23 clash against Adelaide for the final top eight spot will almost certainly occur.
Asked how he would deal with the Giants recalling tagger Matt De Boer for this weekend’s important clash, Bontempelli explained the depth and form of the Bulldogs midfield would be well prepared for the scrap.
“It’s always a challenge,” Bontempelli said.
“You’re always aware of the teams that have a run-with player because you have to prepare accordingly.
“The luxury we have at the minute is we’re not too sure who he might go to and that is something I think we as a midfield group and as a team have been able to build a strong defence around.
“Josh (Dunkley) is in incredible form and then Jack Macrae is doing Jack Macrae on another level again this year.
“You might not able to get what you want at times, but you’ve got to look at how you can create a better result for the group, the midfield and the team.
“If it happens to be me, I’ll be ready for the challenge.”