Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse wonders how far the Western Bulldogs or any other AFL side can go with flooding tactics.

The Bulldogs used the flood to effect at times in Monday's 32-point win over the Magpies.

While Malthouse praised the 'Dogs for their run and skill, he questioned whether the mass transfer of players into the opponent's forward line would pay off in the finals.

"There hasn't been a side that's got a premiership with flooding, that's the significant thing," Malthouse said.

"You take it to a new level, perhaps that's the thing that may show up this year.

"That type of flooding has been in for a number of years and really hasn't won too many finals."

Eade said the Bulldogs "ebbed and flowed" with the flooding tactic.

They were also very willing to chip the ball around, frequently transferring play across the ground to find a target and keep the opposition on the run.

Some coaches, particularly Carlton's Denis Pagan, strongly advocates low-possession football and going as long and direct as possible.

But Eade said his players had worked on "three or four" strategies over the summer.

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