After losing playing-coach Olivia Jackson back in round seven with a knee injury, the Bulldogs rallied in the face of a daunting Tallygaroopna clash the following week.
Going down by just three goals, Jackson said she was proud of the way her girls went about it despite missing key players.
“It was a really good game, the girls came together and were ready for the challenge,” she said.
“Hannah Gardiner and Ebony Halliwell worked really well together in defence.”
The Bulldogs then got back on track with a hard-fought triumph over Longwood last weekend, a win the Bulldogs mentor said her side had to fight for.
“Last week against Longwood was a really good challenge, it’s good to see a more competitive competition this year, they (Longwood) played really well, they’re certainly a team we don’t take lightly.
“Obviously this week it’s another tough game, the girls are looking forward to a tough challenge, playing tougher teams like Shepparton East shows where we stand.”
The Eagles have cruised to an imposing eight wins this season, the one blemish coming in the form of a draw against Tallygaroopna.
With Merrigum shooter Amelia Lowe tipped to make a return to the Bulldogs’ attacking ring, Jackson expected a hard-fought tussle between the two sides on Saturday.
“Obviously Shepp East up there, we’re expecting a really strong contested game,” she said.
“We learnt a lot from the game against Tally, we’re looking forward and improving and trying not to dwell on the past too much.”
A number of KDL heavyweights will have the chance to flex their muscles again this weekend, with Violet Town taking on Undera, Tallygaroopna travelling to Stanhope and Nagambie set to take on Lancaster.
Dookie United will look to consolidate its hold on fourth spot when it takes on Girgarre.
Murchison-Toolamba and Longwood will battle it out for a chance to edge closer to the top six, while Avenel and Rushworth will both be keen for a win after coming off heavy defeats.
Undera faces a daunting Violet Town challenge on Sunday.
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