Season to date
From bottom four in 2007 to top four in 2008 - the Bulldogs finished the regular season in third spot on 62 points with 15 wins, one draw and six losses. In fact, by round 15, the Dogs were in second with only one loss. But a form slump saw them end round 22 with six losses to their name. That form carried over into last week's qualifying final, where the Dogs lost to Hawthorn by 51 points.

Round 20 Western Bulldogs 10.19 (79) lost to Brisbane Lions 13.12 (90)
Round 21 Western Bulldogs 23.13 (151) def Essendon 15.15 (105)
Round 22 Western Bulldogs 9.13 (67) lost to Adelaide Crows 10.16 (76)
Qualifying Final Western Bulldogs 11.10 (76) lost to Hawthorn 18.19 (127)

Sydney Swans 14.13 (97) lost to Western Bulldogs 17.11 (113), round 18, 2008 at Manuka Oval, Canberra

The Swans booted five goals in the first quarter and had the Dogs on the back foot but an eight-goal second quarter after a rocket from "Rocket" laid the platform for the 16-point win to the Bulldogs.

For the Dogs, Brad Johnson (four goals) and Scott Welsh (five) did most of the damage on goal while on-baller Daniel Cross with nine kicks and 14 handballs was also impressive.

For the Swans, Jarrad McVeigh was a ball-magnet and goal machine booting six of the Swans’ 14 goals and picking up 26 disposals.

This made it a regular season double Rodney Eade’s side registering two wins against the Swans in 2008.

It was 1997 the last and only time these two met on the ’G. In a qualifying final, the Dogs beat the Swans by 35 points.

He joined the Dogs in 2005 after previously spending seven seasons in Sydney. Eade came into 2008 under pressure after the side fell away in 2007, but he's done a great job, with the Bulldogs in a top two spot for most of the year before a mini-slump saw them finish third. His coaching record at the Bulldogs is 49-39 with two draws.

What he says about this week's final: "After what we have achieved this year, to let it go down the tube with one performance (against Hawthorn) is not acceptable. We have another chance, and that's what we have to do this week. It's being able to perform when the heat's on, and that's what we've got to be able to do on Friday night."

Over the season, the Dogs have had a running brigade in midfield that is the envy of most. The brilliant Adam Cooney and Daniel Cross together with the likes of Daniel Giansiracusa, Matthew Boyd, Nathan Eagleton and Ryan Griffen have been able to outrun most sides and they can kick their fair share of goals.

Brad Johnson, Will Minson, Scott Welsh, Cooney, Mitch Hahn, Jason Akermanis and Robert Murphy are all capable of booting goals. And Dale Morris and Lindsay Gilbee down back have had good seasons.

When playing well, the Dogs' skills level and kicking is at the elite level.

Out for the season are Scott West (knee), Jarrad Grant (osteitis pubis), Tom Williams (shoulder) and Malcolm Lynch (hamstring). Being assessed this week are Robert Murphy (knee), Lindsay Gilbee (thigh) and Brennan Stack (foot).

The Swans' over-25s were vital last week. Brett Kirk and Darren Jolly in the stoppages and clearances, Barry Hall, Adam Goodes and Ryan O'Keefe in the forward 50 and Leo Barry down back. And Jude Bolton threw himself at the ball all night.

The Swans will need these key men to help their younger brigade (Kieren Jack, Jarred Moore, Craig Bird, Patrick Veszpremi) in this pressure situation.

The Dogs are down on confidence after a poor run into the finals and began September nervously in last week's qualifying final. They have to believe in the things that made them a dangerous side all year: they're mobile, strong in midfield and have a spread of goal-scoring options. The key will be for Rocket to make them believe that again.

The Swans' height (Hall and Goodes and perhaps a resting ruckman or a defender like Ted Richards) in the forward 50 could trouble the Dogs' defence. And O'Keefe is a strong mark, too.

But it could be basics that turn this game. The Swans have rediscovered their hardness and desire in the last two weeks as they've returned to their successful brand of contested footy, just in time.

The 22-year-old ginger warrior wreaked havoc against the Swans both times this year and the midfield ball-magnet is second only to Daniel Cross in disposals (both have cracked the 600 mark). Cooney's also a good kick and has booted 23 this season. He has just been voted Bulldogs' Club Player of the Year.

Can Jolly and Kirk lift the Swans, like last week, when they smashed North Melbourne in the third quarter?

Will the Dogs be afflicted by the jitters like last week in their 51-point loss to the Hawks?

Can the Swans' more experienced heads once again help guide their side to victory?

Can the Dogs fans help get them over the line in this home final?

Three Bulldogs are in the competition's top 10 for handballs. Daniel Cross leads with 390, Cooney is sixth on 310 and on 287 is Matthew Boyd in 10th spot.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.