In a season where the Bulldogs have rocketed to second on the AFL ladder and are premiership contenders, Boyd said their emphasis on the contested football had played a major part in their success.

And a chance to beat the Swans at their own game on Sunday would be a huge boost for the Dogs as they head towards the finals.

''It's a great measure to see where we are at because for so long they have been the benchmark in contested footy,'' Boyd said.

''They play such a hard style of footy and it's really exciting to play games against the Swans in that respect.

''I suppose at the stoppages and the contested footy it's been something we've tried to add to our game but it's dropped off in the past few weeks.''

Despite Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola dominating in last weekend's win over the Bulldogs, Boyd said his team wouldn't place any unnecessary attention on Sydney forward Barry Hall.

The Bulldogs onballer said his team would play fair and attempt to cut off Hall's supply from the midfield rather than bait him.

''Obviously Barry is a great player and he can really turn a game,'' Boyd said. ''I don't really think [we'll try and antagonise him], that's not the sort of team we are. There are a lot of things in a game that can make players frustrated, and hopefully we can frustrate him by not allowing him to get the supply.

''[Last weekend] I think it was more in the midfield they [Carlton] were able to put the pressure on and were able to get on top through there to get the supply to Fev.''

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade agreed that the midfield would need to work hard against Sydney to gain the four points.

''We are certainly concerned about Barry, he's a good player but I think last week was more the inability in the midfield to take control of the ball and use it effectively, sometimes defenders get a bad wrap but I think it wasn't their fault last week,'' Eade said.