Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says his group has used the pre-finals bye as an opportunity to freshen up their focus ahead of Friday night’s Elimination Final.

The Bulldogs will face Hawthorn in the do-or-die clash at the MCG from 7.40pm, having most recently played there in Round 9 against Richmond.

“Our last experience at the ‘G was the game against Richmond. We had a very good game against the Tigers...so the recent memory from an MCG game is strong,” Beveridge told media on Wednesday morning.

“We will have a light run out there tomorrow, just to get on the grass of the ‘G, soak it up and look forward to Friday night, but we won't think too much about the venue.

“In those circumstances, probably the one other thing that will happen though is with a really big crowd, it just becomes more difficult for the players to hear each other.
 
“The communications and the directions on the ground become a little bit more challenging, so we need to make sure that we're using our eyes really well - that's with and without the ball.
 
“We probably spread out our review preparation from the GWS/Ballarat game into this game, so there's been a couple of reminders this morning of what worked well, and we'll go through a couple of things tomorrow as well as far as the offence side of the game goes.

“We’ve just spread it out a little bit more - it's been a good time just to freshen up to a degree in the mine.
 
“One of the players said the other day that you know, it's almost like a new season. After such a long, arduous season - 23 rounds with some gaps - the team that is on the dais at the end of it all, I think will be the one that has been able to cope with it and prepare as well up here (in their minds) as well as they have physically.
 
“We aim to be a team that does that well.”
 
Beveridge anticipated little change to the team, pending Adam Treloar and Laith Vandermeer’s fitness tests.

“I think the players understand there probably won't be much change to the team that beat GWS, but there might be one or two,” he said.
 
“We’ve got Vanders and Adam who we think are going to be okay, but they've still got to get through a training session with flying colours.

“The boys you mentioned – (Buku Khamis and Rhylee West) would be candidates to be considered if we’re going to make a change or two, but I don't think any of us anticipate anything dramatic because of how we've been going.”
 
The Bulldogs held an Open Training session on Wednesday ahead of what will mark their first final in Victoria since 2016, and historic double-header with the AFLW Bulldogs hosting Port Adelaide from 4.30pm.
 
Beveridge said it was nice to celebrate the occasion with fans and members.
 
“We haven't always had the opportunity to train in front of our supporters during the final series. It's going to be a great experience for everyone really.
 
“It’s a reminder for the boys who've done it before, and for the younger guys who haven't experienced it, it’s a good day.”