Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says he is untroubled that his AFL club faces a potential three-week stretch without a serious test.

The Bulldogs were never under pressure in Sunday's 19.9 (123) to 6.9 (45) win over a limp Brisbane at Etihad Stadium.

An even simpler task looms on Saturday, when they take on newcomers Gold Coast, in what will be the Suns' first away game, after they started AFL life with a 119-point belting from Carlton at the Gabba on Saturday night.

A bye for the Bulldogs in the following round risks leaving them not battle-hardened when they face Fremantle in Perth and Collingwood at the MCG on the following two weekends.

But Eade said the bye would be welcome, as his side adjusts to the added fatigue with the reduced interchange bench this season.

And he said the Suns might not be the easybeats for long that they were against the Blues.

He said Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett would be better for the run, having not played a pre-season game, while the Suns' many debutants would learn quickly.

"I don't think the score reflected the talent they've got," Eade said of the Suns' opening night disaster.

"Unfortunately it blew out for them, but like all teams you'd think they'd bounce back from it.

"From a coaching point of view we've already put our thoughts towards that.

"Probably even from a club point of view we'd like to have our supporters and members along next week in droves ... make it as icy as we can for the Gold Coast."

Eade said regardless of the opposition, the Dogs needed to consistently repeat the workrate they produced against the Lions, which was missing in their opening round loss to Essendon.

He said that endeavour was reflected in their hard running and 79 tackles.

"If they're on display there's a fair chance we'll win and the result will look after itself," Eade said.

The Bulldogs' midfield stars were particularly good.

Ryan Griffen kicked three goals among 33 touches, captain Matthew Boyd was outstanding throughout with 32 touches and two goals, Daniel Cross fought hard in the clinches, Adam Cooney showed his class and second-gamer Tom Liberatore again looked completely at home.

Justin Sherman, facing his former side for the first time, added to the Lions' pain with some line-breaking midfield runs and a goal.

The Lions have big problems, particularly in attack, where the long-term absence of Jonathan Brown (facial fractures) and Brent Staker (knee) has hit hard.

"That's something we'll have to go away and have a fair think about, that's for sure," coach Michael Voss said.

He said they would consider giving draftee Jared Polec a debut, while young key forward Aaron Cornelius might be brought in, even though his form did not warrant it.

"Sometimes it comes down to needs and he may be just the lucky one that gets the needs basis selection," Voss said.

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