Dogs ready to prove themselves: Johnson
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Brad Johnson... ready to win. (Getty Images: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)
Western Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson is confident tonight's qualifying final against Hawthorn at the MCG is just the beginning of the club's AFL finals run.
The 2008 finals series kicks off in Melbourne tonight between the competition's second and third-placed sides.
The winner of the qualifying final will have a week's rest before going on to play in a preliminary final.
Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson says his side can win the qualifying final.
"We can beat any team in the competition, there's no doubt about that," he said.
"We've got to put that together on the weekend and play finals footy.
"It can be tight at certain stages and we have to stand up as a group and be strong in those situations so that we can control the game."
The Bulldogs have named ruckman Ben Hudson, while the Hawks have named Campbell Brown in their side despite the defender missing yesterday's training with an ankle injury.
The last time the two sides clashed was in round 11, where the Bulldogs were convincing 32-point winners.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says he is confident the Hawks will be better prepared for tonight's clash.
"The Doggies really showed us how to play that particular day, and beat us quite convincingly," he said.
"I think the margin of five goals was probably a little bit flattering for us in the end, so we'd need to improve a fair bit on that day."
