LUKE Beveridge says the Bulldogs’ embarrassing loss to Fremantle at Domain Stadium just 11 days ago might have been just the spark his side needed to help them defeat West Coast at the same venue.

Speaking after the Bulldogs brushed aside the Eagles to secure the club’s first ever finals victory outside of Victoria, Beveridge said he used a different travel plan for the latest trip west and the players had returned with plenty of confidence.

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“They were shaken up a bit by what happened two weeks ago,” he said.

“I thought Freo were very, very good - back to some of the best pressure and maybe that was good for us going into this week.”

After West Coast kicked the first two goals of the match the visitors took control, kicking the next seven and opening up a four-goal lead at the main break.

Beveridge said he was concerned with the poor start away from home, but the players had proven all season they could bounce back.

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The visitors extended their lead to six goals by the final change and a dominant final quarter saw the Bulldogs home by 47 points – a record loss for West Coast in a final in Perth.

Beveridge said his team had been “average” with their ball use in recent weeks, but had been at their best against the Eagles.

“We haven’t really broken a game open for a long time, so it was an outstanding all-round performance from our 22,” he said.

“It’s a shame we lost (Lin Jong). He was a key contributor to get us moving early, but we didn’t in our wildest dreams, think we were going to play that well.”

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Beveridge said Jong, who is out of contract and being courted by both Collingwood and Gold Coast, had broken his collarbone and would not play again this season.

The midfielder was in tears again after the game, having first been overcome with emotion while sitting on the bench during the second quarter.

“I hope it’s about his injury and not because he thinks it’s his last game for the Bulldogs,” Beveridge said. “The boys are just giving him a cuddle and he’ll be fine.”

Returning players Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore and Jordan Roughead had all come through the match unscathed, while Easton Wood had suffered a different type of injury to his troublesome left ankle but played out the game.