The Western Bulldogs aim to prove this Sunday that they have not got ahead of themselves after winning the NAB Cup.

Following their pre-season cup victory, the side went down to Collingwood by 36 points in the AFL opening round - but they are focused on redeeming themselves against Richmond at the MCG.

The Bulldogs are bristling at the suggestion they were looking too far ahead after claiming their first piece of silverware in four decades.

Midfielder Matthew Boyd said he believed the side would return to form against the Tigers without too much trouble.

"It shouldn't take us too long to get that back and get us back up and going again," Boyd said.

"Rocket (coach Rodney Eade) was of the opinion that if we get our workrate back then the rest of our game will flow from that.

"Although we were thrilled to play good games in the NAB Cup and make the grand final and win it, our main focus was always round one.

"That was the unfortunate part about it, that we did have a focus on round one and didn't turn up to play.

"We haven't got ahead of ourselves by any stretch of the imagination - I'm sure if we did get ahead of ourselves we're straight back down to earth now."

Eade was untroubled by the early loss but wary of Richmond this weekend.

"I think some teams have lost three or four of the first five games and made the finals. I mean, you're going to lose games at some stage," he said ahead of the clash against Richmond, who were thumped by 56 points by Carlton in Damien Hardwick's coaching debut.

"They are a young squad and they're trying to implement a definitive game plan.

"Obviously they've got a pretty good midfield and they've now got some pace up forward and I think what youth brings is enthusiasm.

"And if youth gets a chance to get their confidence up they can certainly cause some hassles."

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