The Western Bulldogs are quietly confident scans will show Tom Liberatore has avoided a serious knee injury after jarring his leg against Carlton in the AFL.

The Western Bulldogs suffered a crushing loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday, but coach Luke Beveridge refused to concede their premiership defence is over.

The Western Bulldogs suffered a 48-point defeat to premiership fancies Greater Western Sydney, but Luke Beveridge says the Dogs are still in the finals picture.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is against the possibility that the use of runners could be banned for AFL matches.