Freed-up Bulldogs regain love of the game

The Western Bulldogs have played like a team with the world on their shoulders this year, but midfielder Jack Macrae says they're enjoying their footy again.

Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae believes the Dogs have rediscovered their love of the game as their AFL premiership defence enters a critical phase.

With rumours of in-fighting swirling, the Dogs won just two of seven games heading into last week's encounter with North Melbourne, but scraped home for a one-point win that left them in ninth spot.

Macrae said coach Luke Beveridge released the shackles ahead of the Kangaroos' clash and gave his players complete freedom to recapture their barnstorming form of last season.