While the Bulldogs prided themselves on being 80-minute performers on their way to the minor premiership last year, this season they have struggled for that same consistency.

They have tended to drift in and out of matches, and winger Mitch Brown said that had been the cause of some concern as they explored ways to counter this with Novak, who works regularly with the Bulldogs.

''It's been a bit of a topic and something the playing group has brought up [with Novak],'' Brown said. ''It's about being positive and being mentally prepared.

''Everyone is different. He doesn't put a blanket over everyone. He works on individuals and see what it takes them to get up.

''He'll have a chat with you and push you so you can get there mentally. I've come back from a knee reconstruction, so I've had a fair bit to do with him to be positive. He has really helped.''

Despite their indifferent start to the season, the Bulldogs sit in sixth on the premiership ladder. They face the last-placed Parramatta on Friday night, with in-form halfback Trent Hodkinson indicating the side needs to overpower the Eels.

''We need to go out there and put in a dominate performance. Hopefully we can do that,'' Hodkinson said.

''We've been a bit on and off. There's seven games left, so hopefully we can build some consistency heading into the finals and play our best footy then.

''Just in certain patches, we nod off a bit. We have to keep a level of intensity all game. We've worked on that against the Storm. I guess it's the intensity and attitude to be in the game for 80 minutes.''

The Bulldogs are expected to welcome back Sam Kasiano (hamstring) and Greg Eastwood (knee) for the match.

After battling shoulder and knee injuries which restricted him to just six games last year, Hodkinson said his body is now coping well.

''We are working a lot harder on our attitude, taking the intensity throughout the match,'' Hodkinson said. ''We just have to wait and see. Hopefully it starts against Parramatta.

''We haven't been playing the best of footy in certain games, so that's something to look forward to. Hopefully we can string a few wins together and play some good footy.''

Meanwhile, Hodkinson said that despite delays, he is close to signing a contract extension at the Bulldogs. ''We've just got to do the final stages. Hopefully it's in the next week,'' he said.

''I would've liked to have got it over and done with already. It's just one of those things.

''I did play my best footy under [coach] Des [Hasler] at Manly. Despite having him back last year … I didn't get to play too much under him. I'm really enjoying my footy again, and under Dessie I'm going OK.''