Dogs to head into finals with a positive attitude...

Dogs won't be defined by top-four failure
The AFL Website | Jennifer Witham | 11 August, 2009

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney says his teammates won't head into the finals with a defeatist attitude if they fail to hold on to their top-four position.

Cooney, 23, believes the side should evaluate its campaign on what happens in September rather than the next three rounds.

He added that a tilt at ending the Dogs' 55-year premiership drought would remain on the cards, even if it had to be done from the bottom half of the eight.

"If we finish fifth to eighth and go on and even win the flag from there, you're not going to look back on the 22 rounds and say it was disappointing," he said.

"Anything can happen come finals time."

The Dogs have a difficult finish to the home and away season and are in danger of losing fourth spot to the Brisbane Lions, Carlton or Adelaide, which are all within one game.

They face the Lions at the Gabba this week, with the outcome to determine which side will see out the round in fourth.

"Everyone knows how important this week is after our disappointing loss on the weekend," Cooney said.

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