The seventh-placed Bulldogs take on fifth-placed South Rovers at Mack Oval on Saturday in a in crunch game for both sides.

And while Panmure's Kelly Jones (illness) remained in doubt, Dunkley said if her defenders could hamper the Lions' drive into the ring to Rhi Davis and Abby Sheehan, anything would be possible.

"I'm really looking forward to having a hit-out with them," she said.

"To cause an upset over a top-five side would be a great achievement.

"And it's great the girls think it's in their sights."

After slumping to 0-3 earlier in the season, Panmure, now 3-5, remains an outside chance of pipping South Rovers and the Timboon Demons to claim the last ticket to the finals.

But it's not so much the win-loss record that has Dunkley upbeat right now.

It's the chemistry formed within her developing side, something the Bulldogs mentor said was on show through Panmure's 51-43 loss to premiership contender Dennington.

"That was definitely the best game the seven players we had on court have played," Dunkley said.

"We walked away with a win as we're starting to click together.

"I think we've found a sweet spot with all our positions and I'm really excited for our potential."

Goal keeper Alana Wilkins provided the Bulldogs with plenty of turnovers against the Dogs in a best on performance that allowed Panmure to stay in the hunt for the majority of the game.

But Dunkley said she was also rapt with Bailee Overweter, who helped Panmure's 17 and under side to a four-goal win over Dennington.

Overweter buttered up again for an impressive performance in the senior side at goal defence.

Dunkley was happy with the Bulldogs' one-two punch in the defensive circle.

"She and Alana just looked like they'd play together forever," she said.

"I'd love to play her on regular basis."

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