THE Western Bulldogs are on top of the ladder after two wins against Fremantle and St Kilda, and Hawks midfielder Isaac Smith says they are 'probably playinng the best footy.

The Bulldogs have won their two matches by a combined margin of 122 points.

"The Doggies, out of everyone, are probably playing the best footy," Smith said on Tuesday.

There are many aspects of the Dogs' game that have impressed the speedy Hawk. 

"Their run and dash, they win the contested ball, they take intercept marks and they go off that," he said.

"I don't think they've lost too many contested ball quarters this year.

"I think they've only had 74 points kicked against them this year, so they must be defending fairly well."

The Bulldogs play their first seven games of the season at Etihad Stadium, a schedule that suited their style well according to Smith.

"It's usually a pretty fast-paced game (at Docklands), which the Bulldogs seems to be playing at the moment as well," he said. 

"I guess there's a bit of a difference. There's a roof on it and there's no natural elements." 

The Hawks finished 3-1 at Etihad last year, losing only to Port Adelaide in round 21.