The Western Bulldogs are off to a flying start under new coach Luke Beveridge, winning their opening two games for the first time in six years after a hard-fought 19-point victory over Richmond.

And with confidence in the Bulldogs' camp growing by the week, the club isn't shying away from some big challenges, starting next weekend with a game against defending premiers Hawthorn, followed by games against Adelaide and Sydney.

Beveridge, who spent three years as an assistant coach with the Hawks before taking on the Bulldogs job, said  his players were looking forward to taking on the AFL measuring stick.

"That's exciting for our players to win two and with a little bit of momentum take on the Hawks, who are obviously an outstanding side," he said.

"We had a little bit of a chat about it at the end of the meeting then, and there is a little bit of a glint in the eye. Everyone looks at the Hawks and sees the benchmark, and that really gives you a good idea of where you are at. Going to Launceston to play the Hawks is a great opportunity."

Beveridge wasn't overplaying the impact his inside knowledge of Hawthorn could have on the Bulldogs' preparation.

"If the players have got questions about how I think the players play or some of the Hawks' systems, then I will set their mind at ease," he said. "[But] we have to be careful that we don't get caught up in it too much, they are such an outstanding group with so many avenues across their lines, if we get caught up in it too much, then we will be in a bit of trouble."

But he acknowledged the importance of the Bulldogs backing up their opening-round win against West Coast, the Richmond win achieved with his side leading all day despite several challenges from the Tigers, each of which the Dogs were able to repel.

"Today gave everyone  a little bit more of an understanding that we might be able to do it a bit more consistently," he said. "There is probably a bit of uncertainty around us, we are a very different side when you consider the change in personnel and also the way we play."

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, meanwhile, was a frustrated man after seeing his team win more contested possession, more clearances and enjoy six more inside-50 entries than their opponent, yet squander many opportunities with sloppy ball use and costly turnovers.

"Credit to the Bulldogs, I thought they played really well. Their pressure around the contest was very good, and their ability to score when they went inside 50 was very good," he said.

"The fact of the matter is we made too many mistakes, that was one part of the game. The other part of the game, we went inside 50 54 times, we win three loose ball gets and lay five tackles.

"You're not going to win a game of footy doing that, so it's an area we need to improve and we need to improve quickly if we're going to win footy games."

Richmond had beaten Carlton to open the season despite relatively quiet games from stars Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio.

While Deledio was out suspended, Martin and Cotchin, along with key defender Alex Rance, were clearly the Tigers' best against the Bulldogs. Yet Richmond couldn't get the same contribution as last week out of its lesser lights, while key forwards Jack Riewoldt and Ben Griffifths were well held by  Michael Talia and Jordon Roughead.