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When asked if complacency played a part in Sunday's loss, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge did not bat the question away.
Collingwood and the unforgiving glare of the MCG's Friday night lights might be just what the Western Bulldogs need.
When coach Luke Beveridge was asked if complacency played a part in their upset five-point AFL loss to Gold Coast, he did not bat away the question.
"It's a reasonable conclusion to jump to, that that might have crept in," Beveridge said.
"We just had a discussion about it - I think we just have to give Gold Coast credit for the way approached the game early.
After kicking nine goals in the final quarter to storm past Hawthorn a week ago, they fell four goals behind in the first term on Sunday at Marvel Stadium.
That proved critical, with the Dogs unable this time to peg back their hard-working opponents.
They now have a short break before facing the Magpies on the AFL's biggest stage.
"You hope it wasn't complacency. We're not in a position to be a complacent team," Beveridge said.
"We're trying to re-establish ourselves as a good side.
"We only have five days to shrug it off and shape up for a game against Collingwood, which isn't a bad thing, a short turnaround."
Speedy half-back Jason Johnannisen could resume on Thursday night after his pre-season was ruined by an ankle injury.
While Beveridge did not confirm Johannisen's immediate recall, he said it was "a big chance".
Ruck-forward Tom Boyd is also set to resume in the VFL after a long-term back injury.