DISAPPOINTED Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney has told his senior players he needs more from them after his side was thrashed by 70 points against West Coast on Sunday.

A calm McCartney said the Bulldogs would regain experienced trio Daniel Giansiracusa, Ryan Griffen and Robert Murphy for Saturday's clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, while Tom Williams could also be available.

But, speaking after the Eagles soundly beat his side, he said he expected some of his other senior players to stand up. And the senior players had accepted the blame for not defending well enough against West Coast.

"It's a disappointing day for our footy club," he said.

"Three of the six games this year we've had long patches in games where we haven't been hard enough to play against.

"At times, our more experienced players have got to drive standards and drive the team and get to the stage where we kick a really good team goal and it doesn't get out at the next centre bounce and we keep the game where we want it for as long as it takes to stay in games."

McCartney said some of the younger Bulldogs were developing well and the likes of Jake Stringer would benefit from more football.

But he did not know how long it would take for his young pups to hit their peak.

"I wish they all came along in a blanket line," he said.

"But I've worked with young people in this industry for a long time and it's never as simple as that. We're seeing strong signs at times from them that they can do it, but they can't do it if all 18 aren't doing it. 

"They are coming along but we need some help from some of our more mature people."

The second-year coach said Will Minson was now one of the best tap ruckmen in the game and had battled well against Dean Cox, Nic Naitanui and Callum Sinclair.

McCartney said Stringer had been substituted out of the game with a cork, but would likely be available next week for what was a "winnable" game. 

Nick Lower, who was poked in the eye, would also be able to play.