The Bulldogs outplayed their more-fancied opponents in all facets of the game, a fact not lost on Waubra coach Grant Luscombe.

“Full credit to Daylesford, they just played better. They were harder around the footy, they won the contested footy, they continually won stoppages. We weren't hard enough by any stretch of the imagination around the stoppages and that was where the game was won and lost,” Luscombe said.

Daylesford helmsman Marcus Goonan praised his players’ focus on the game plan. “I thought we held our structures really well, played to our game plan and implemented it. We know how good we are internally, I don't think we're rated externally, maybe (Saturday’s result) might change a few people's opinions.”

The Bulldogs set up the win with a six-goal first term, establishing a 24-point lead at the first change that was never really threatened by a Waubra outfit that struggled for fluency throughout the game.

Ken Cummings (six goals) and young gun Cameron Lovig (three goals) book-ended the big win for the Doggies. Cummings ran rampant with three first-term majors, while Lovig's hat-trick in the final quarter snuffed out any hope for the hosts.

Best-on-ground Jordan Alexander led a relentless attack on the ball for the Bulldogs. Sam Winard contested strongly in the ruck, while the class and composure of Tom Thurwood, Xavier Walsh and the architect Rob Rodgers proved crucial in the big win.

For the Roos, Tim Boyle played a lone hand up forward with five goals, his second a beauty from the coach's box. Tom Nijam, Nathan Patrikeos and Jesse Brown battled hard for the vanquished.

Waubra travels to Springbak next weekend and may be without Paul Dodds and Steve Tung because of hamstring injuries. Lachie Johns may also miss after a knock to the shoulder in the first term.

The Bulldogs, still four points behind eighth-placed Ballan, will be striving for a third-straight win and a run to the finals when it hosts Carngham-Linton.