The Western Force's mid-season resurgence could get an added boost with David Pocock, Matt Hodgson and Mitch Inman all a chance to return for Saturday night's Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders in Perth.

The Force notched their second win on the trot and all but ended the Bulls' finals hopes in the process with a gritty 26-21 victory over the defending champions at nib Stadium on Saturday night.

Although the Force's own finals hopes have probably all but evaporated following a poor start to the season, the Perth-based franchise remain determined to make their presence felt for the remainder of the year.

Wallabies flanker Pocock (knee) and outside centre Mitch Inman (dislocated elbow) haven't featured since round two, while Hodgson (shoulder) hasn't played since being dropped from a line-out three weeks ago.

But all three are a chance to return against the Crusaders as the Force attempt to add another high-profile team to their hit list.

"A decision will be made on them when they train on Tuesday," Force coach Richard Graham said.

"It's a boost but it also adds a bit of freshness to training and a bit of freshness to the squad."

Hooker Ben Whittaker is a doubtful starter against the Crusaders after injuring his shoulder early against the Bulls.

The Force were at their determined best against the Bulls, defending strongly for long periods of the match and striking back at crucial times through the hot boot of James O'Connor, who finished with an 18-point haul.

Fullback Cameron Shepherd scored the match-winning try 12 minutes from time, but it was the forwards who were the true heroes of the night, with flanker Richard Brown particularly impressive in dishing out some bone-crunching tackles.

Graham felt his team, who were criticised earlier in the season for failing to close out several close games, were starting to mature.

"For us as a side, we talked earlier about learning how to win, and then once you're actually winning you need to keep winning," Graham said.

"I think now's as good a time as any.

"The character of the side has never been questioned.

"Whilst we've had a couple of close losses and a draw, the character of the side hasn't been something we've discussed. I think we're learning as a side."

Force skipper Nathan Sharpe, whose 2011 campaign continues to go from strength to strength, said the team couldn't afford to rest on their laurels.

"No one's getting carried away. We haven't won the Super 15," Sharpe said.

"It wasn't the perfect game by any stretch of the imagination.

"We've got next week to play the Crusaders. Everyone's enjoying their football and that's a good sign."

The Bulls' third loss on the trot left them a daunting 12 points adrift of sixth spot and needing a massive turnaround to reach the finals, let alone defend their title.

"We'll have to win every game," Bulls skipper Victor Matfield said.

"I believe if we win all seven, we'll have a chance."

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