In ideal scoring conditions against Sandhurst last week, the Bloods won both the stoppages and inside-50 count, but couldn't translate it onto the scoreboard, kicking just 5.11 in a 51-point loss to the Dragons.

"We've got a whole new forward line this year, but they need to be able to work a lot harder than they did last week to create more opportunities," Brennan said on Friday.

"We also need our midfield to penetrate our half-forward line a lot deeper than they did last week.

"We won the stoppages and inside-50s, so to only kick five goals for the game wasn't anywhere near good enough at this level.

"We need to be better and more efficient going forward this week, which is what we've focused on at training."

In a boost for the Bloods, they regain captain Aaron Connaughton after he missed last week's game.

While South Bendigo was beaten last week, Golden Square also copped a round one loss, going down to Strathfieldsaye by 33 points in the grand final rematch.

However, Brennan is reading little into the Bulldogs' round one loss, still rating the five-time defending BFL premiers the side to beat this year.

"To me, they are the best team in the competition until someone can take that away from them later in the year," Brennan said.

"They are the team to beat and we know we're going to have to play very well on Sunday to give ourselves a chance."

Sunday's game at MyJet Oval starts at 2.20pm.