THE impressive early performances of Tom Liberatore and Justin Sherman are vital for a Western Bulldogs team looking to take that next step, says defender Robert Murphy.

In just their second matches in Bulldogs colours, Liberatore had 28 disposals and Sherman 26 in Sunday's big win over the Brisbane Lions.

Murphy said it was vital that new additions to the team made an instant impact.

"That's what the early part of the season's all about. It's very unforgiving, this competition," he said.

"We've been reasonably successful in the last few years, but you constantly need to inject that youth, energy and enthusiasm. I thought that was lacking last week but those boys really stood up and gave us a bit of energy."

Eighteen-year-old Liberatore was particularly impressive, managing nine tackles in a performance reminiscent of so many produced by his father Tony over a 283-game career.

"He's a beauty, Tom. I think we've found one there,” Murphy said.

“Anyone who's been around footy for a while would attest that I think Tom is going to make his own name pretty quickly and be around for long, long time.”

The Bulldogs host Gold Coast this week in what many are predicting will be a one-sided contest.

Murphy only watched part of the Suns' inaugural match against Carlton while he prepared for his own game on Sunday, but he warned that the Bulldogs would not be taking Gold Coast lightly.

"I just watched the start. I was curious like everyone else. But I went to bed pretty early. They obviously got off to a disappointing start, but I think Carlton's pressure was pretty exceptional," he said.

"I'm not sure how many sides would cope with that sort of pressure.

"They're young, they'll bounce back. They are a lot younger than I am, so I'm sure they'll recover pretty well and they'll be ready to go."

Robert Murphy is a $323,000 forward/defender in the Toyota AFL Dream Team competition.