Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says his side can beat Sydney in Canberra provided it produces the intensity that gave Geelong their biggest scare this AFL season.

The Bulldogs came up two points short against the Cats last Friday night and Eade said a similar performance by his side in round 10 should result in a win at Manuka Oval on Saturday.

"We've just got to maintain that work rate and intensity we had last week, which was pleasing," he told reporters on Friday.

"That's the benchmark for us, last week, we've got to maintain that.

"Like all sides from third downwards, the season's been inconsistent, so we've just to get that consistency."

The Bulldogs had the better of the Swans last year, by winning their three clashes, including a cut-throat semi-final at the MCG.

They are likely to take even more encouragement from the Swans' poor recent form outside Sydney, as they have lost their seven interstate games since they pipped Carlton by two points at Telstra Dome in round 16 last year.

But Eade refused to take anything for granted in a game between third and fifth - both with 5-4 win-loss records - and said the key to the clash would be winning the contested ball.

"We know they (Sydney) put a lot of pressure on but we showed last week we can do the same," he said.

"We expect a pretty tight game."

The Bulldogs expect half-back Lindsay Gilbee (ankle), tall defender Ryan Hargrave (quad) and talented young forward Shaun Higgins (groin) to play, but all will be assessed on the morning of the game.

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