Narrowly missing out on a remarkable comeback win over Gold Coast has Western Bulldogs coach Nathan Burke knowing his AFLW team's finals hopes are on a knife's edge.
The Bulldogs reeled in a four goal three-quarter time deficit against the Suns at Metricon Stadium but couldn't find the extra score needed for a crucial victory as the game ended in a 41-all draw.
The result leaves both teams two points outside the top six with three matches to play.
While leaving the Gold Coast with two points is better than a loss for Burke's team, it leaves them with no margin for error if they're to reach finals for the first time since 2018's premiership success.
First up will be sixth-placed Collingwood on Sunday at Victoria Park, giving the Bulldogs the perfect opportunity to seize the initiative in the race for finals.
"We would have been equal with them if we'd have won, so two points behind ... it's going to be big and then I think the Suns have got the Pies the week after that," Burke told AAP.
"The position we're in now, every one is going to be big. Eagles will be big after that. We've got another trip and then Brisbane after that, which is always going to be tough.
"We've put ourselves in a position where every game is a must win and that's good.
"If we're good enough, we'll win them. If we're not good enough we'll look to next year."
Burke also confirmed after the game he is confident ankle and shoulder knocks to captain Ellie Blackburn won't stop the 26-year-old lining up against the Magpies.
Blackburn pushed through the pain barrier to be one of the Bulldogs' best against the Suns, racking up 22 disposals in a performance that earned praise from Burke.
"She got back up there and (Kirsty) Lamb was the same," he said.
"She's been battered around, pillar to post, the last three weeks. But she was outstanding again in the last quarter. I shouldn't individualise because a lot of them were but to run out the game like we did, I'm proud of them."
