The Western Bulldogs are facing an uphill battle to play finals after another thrilling loss to a top-eight side.

Brisbane Lions beat the Western Bulldogs at a wet Gabba ground by 10 points on Friday night, winning (12.14) 86 to (12.4) 76.

The Bulldogs were only behind by four points with 70 seconds left on the clock, but Lions star Will Ashcroft kicked a goal on the siren to push the Bulldogs’ deficit to 10 points.

The loss to the Lions means the Bulldogs have a record of one win and eight losses against top-eight sides, with an average losing margin of just under 14 points in those eight defeats.

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Dogs coach Luke Beveridge said their bad record against top-eight sides is disappointing, but pinpointed where they need to improve.

“Obviously, we’re disappointed because we always travel to win, but credit to Brisbane, they were just too good on the night,” Beverdige explained.

“I could go through personnel, the variables in the game, but one of the things is you need your group to be totally committed to certain aspects of the defensive contest and stoppage phases, and you can’t do that inconsistently against the better sides. I think that’s the difference.”

Beveridge explained his team would need to win all five games remaining nearly including two against GWS Giants and Fremantle, who are currently in the top eight.

“They’re all crucial; we’d almost be a game or two behind the top eight after this one,” Beveridge said in his post-match press conference.

Ultimately, we can’t get too far ahead, we’ve just got to, we play three below us and two above us, and you’d have to say we need to win them all, almost.”

Brisbane star Hugh McCluggage played a crucial role in his 200th game for the Lions, gathering 27 disposals that will boost his claims for his first All-Australian blazer.

While Lion cubs and superstar brothers Will and Levi Ashcroft combined for five goals to get their team over the line with Levi raises his chance of winning the Rising Star award.

Western Bulldogs play a depleted Essendon next Friday night, while Brisbane will take on Gold Coast in what should be an electrifying Q-Clash.