Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has warned the AFL's flavour of the moment that the taste can turn sour quickly.
While the first-year senior coach is relishing the praise coming his players' way, Beveridge said they must maintain what they are doing.
The Bulldogs are the breakout team this season, boasting a 4-1 record and last weekend's massive win over Sydney.
They will start strong favourites in Saturday's game against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
"I think it's gold - I love the fact that some of our players are becoming, not cult figures, but favourite players of young kids and adults alike, who have a soft spot for the 'Dogs," Beveridge said of the praise.
"We're looking to build pretty quickly.
"We think it's brilliant that people are probably throwing some accolades our way.
"But we know that can be fleeting - we know that week to week, if we don't bring what we have, it can be fleeting."
Beveridge was asked how he felt that after only five rounds, the 'Dogs are being spoken of as likely finalists.
"I try not to react," he said.
"It's great that we've sparked some interest in the public domain and we're a feel-good story at the moment, which is brilliant for our players and our club.
"We need to guard against losing that and the only way to do it is to bring your best performance.
"When you have a week like this week, when everything is positive and you see the smiles on people's faces, well, you can't help but want that from week to week."
The Saints are also coming off a much better performance against Essendon and will regain captain Nick Riewoldt, as well as fellow veteran Leigh Montagna.
By contrast, Lin Jong is out of the Bulldogs side with a broken hand and veteran onballer Matt Boyd is being rested for hamstring soreness.
"He probably could have played, but we just have to be sensible with Boydy," Beveridge said.
"He's been outstanding early on in the year, so we have to keep that going.
"It just seemed like this week, it was too risky to force it."
Lachie Hunter will play in the Bulldogs seniors for the first time this season.
The AFL cleared Hunter of a pre-season incident where his account was used to place bets on a Bulldogs game.
"It's been a learning curve for Lachie, but he's played good footy," Beveridge said.
"There was a bit of competition for spots, so it's got nothing to do really with what happened over the pre-season and why he's been playing VFL.
"It's just more that his teammates have been keeping him out of the side."
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