WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Ryan Griffen says the Dogs will be looking to make a fast start against Essendon on Friday night.

After allowing Collingwood to kick 11 first-half goals to their six last Friday night, Griffen said the Dogs were determined to shut down the fast Bombers at Docklands.

"We've got to come out and hit them hard to stop their flow," he told westernbulldogs.com.au. "We can stop them getting the ball if we've got it.

"Last week was a massive game and it was disappointing not to be able to get up for the win. This week the boys are pretty pumped up and looking forward to the contest."

The 22-year-old said the Bulldogs had spoken of the importance of claiming a win on Friday, given the way they fell just one point short of the Magpies last week.

He also said that as the match to be played at break-neck pace, the Dogs' defensive side would need to be on song.

"They're a very quick side and the win would be massive," he said. "They've got Andrew Lovett and Jason Winderlich and these types of players who are just lightning quick.

"We have to check their run and slow down parts of the game, while still taking them on.

"Our pressure has got to be right up so we put a lot of pressure of their kicking and get the ball back as quick as possible."

He also issued a direct warning to Essendon to not expect the Bulldogs to fall away in the final term, regardless of the game's speed.

He said the players were confident they had the fitness to overrun sides after last week’s 6.5 to 1.2 final quarter against Collingwood almost got them across the line after their poor first half.

"We shouldn't let teams get that far out in front in the first place because it's pretty hard to peg teams back when they're that far out in front.

"[Head of physical performance] Bill Davoren came in and gave us a whole new aspect of training this year. He was fantastic, our whole pre-season was really good and most guys didn't really miss any sessions at all.

"He built our fitness right up and our base is really good. That shows in the last quarters."

The Bulldogs will play their third night game against a big Victorian club this week, after meeting Hawthorn and Collingwood over the past fortnight.

Griffen said playing under the Docklands roof against teams with passionate supporters had provided the Dogs with solid preparation for September. 

"It's been finals-like footy for us the past couple of weeks," he said.