The Western Bulldogs are preparing for a physical encounter against the Giants, Daniel Giansiracusa says, ahead of their clash in Canberra on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a contest, they are really good at contested ball and that is the way we like it,” Giansiracusa said.

“It’s just going to be two teams going hard at it and it’s going to be the first one that cracks.”

Both the Bulldogs and Giants have shown marked improvement since the two sides last met in round 15, 2013 and both are looking for back-to-back wins after impressive round three displays.

Giansiracusa said the Giants will provide an extreme challenge, having registered two wins from three outings this season, including a big win over their Sydney counterparts.

“They are up and going… They have added experience to their side and I think that’s given the younger players confidence to go about their business,” he said.

“We all knew they were going to be a fantastic side, when we played then in round [15] last year it was a pretty ugly game but I think both teams have really improved since then.”

The Bulldogs will draw confidence from a win against finals fancy Richmond last week and see this weekend’s clash as an opportunity to continue that streak.

“They are a ferocious outfit, they have probably been really good at contested ball even when they first came in,” he said.

“Now they have a bit of outside run as well and they can get it into those three bigger guys and they are kicking scores to win the game.

“Yes, it will be a challenge but one that we are really looking forward to and can’t wait to get up to Canberra."