WESTERN Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson says his side has not lost heart despite its disappointing performance against Geelong on Saturday.

Johnson, 33, said the Dogs were still confident they would be able to play a big part in the rest of the finals series.

"The opportunity is still in front of us," he said on Tuesday at Whitten Oval.

"We know when we turn up, we compete against the best. We're certainly ready to do that this weekend."

Despite Tuesday's chilly temperature and blustering conditions at Whitten Oval better suited to a mid-July training session, Johnson said the players could definitely feel a difference in build up to Friday night's semi-final against the Brisbane Lions.

"It's not like any other week, because this could be it for the season," he said. "They'll go in with the same mentality.

"We're preparing very strongly and we'll be ready to go on the weekend."

The Lions haven't played finals since 2004, while the Dogs had a taste of September action as recently as last year.

Johnson agreed their qualifying final loss to Hawthorn 12 months ago and subsequent semi-final win over the Sydney Swans provided valuable familiarity with the pressure-filled position both sides are in.

"We've experienced it, we've been through it before, and we know what to expect when coming into this situation," he said.

"It is a totally different set of circumstances. It's a different side we're playing and a different side we're putting out on the park.

"It's important we stick together and we have 22 guys that rock up on the weekend because we know if we get that, we'll be in with a chance."

The captain says his team is looking forward to having a mid-week hit-out on the MCG when they train on the hallowed surface on Thursday.

"You don't get on there a lot, and we've only played there four times this year," he said.

"It will be good to get out there and do a bit of training and have a few set shots, and just get used to what conditions we could possibly encounter."

Johnson said he was personally feeling fit and healthy, despite shunning Tuesday's wintery conditions in favour of an inside session at Whitten Oval.

"I did a bit of cross training today, and a bit of kicking inside," he said.

"We've got our main session later in the week so I'll certainly be out there for that. There are no issues with my body."