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.
