It's been an extraordinary week for Bulldog supporters, many still in disbelief that the Dogs have won three finals and find themselves on the cusp of a breakthrough flag against the Sydney Swans at the MCG.

Beveridge said the Dogs were ready to chase history as they prepare to feature in their first grand final since 1961 and chase their first flag since 1954.

"We have been talking about belief for a long period of time. Obviously, the Swans have got that as well. We feel we come to the last game of the year still with a lot left. We were fortunate enough in recent times to have some boys back from injury and our performances have given us a little bit of kick," he said.

"We go into the game with some momentum but understanding we are up against a formidable outfit in the Swans."

He said the weight of history had not been an issue, adding with a grin: "It's exciting that we could possibly put the second cup in the cabinet - there is a bit of room."

Ruckman Jordan Roughead has declared himself a certain starter as the Dogs attempt to end their premiership drought in Saturday'.

Roughead suffered bleeding in the eye when hit by a football during last week's preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney.

While he trained on Thursday and emerged unscathed, he still needed final approval from his eye specialist on Friday.

"Good to go. It (the week) has been pretty stressful but I suppose I can start to get a bit excited now," Roughead said.

As he and his players prepared to join in the grand final parade on Friday, Beveridge said the Dogs had embraced the emotion of their supporters.

"It's just been pretty much business as usual and what we need to do to focus on a really good game," he said.

"The hysteria and the emotion and our fans and the support is the dimension that we were exposed to (on Thursday at training) was brilliant. Our players soaked it up - how could you not have a warm heart when you see the outpouring of affection to our players, more than anything."

Stand-in skipper Easton Wood said the Dogs had enjoyed the week.

"We have certainly embraced it ... soak it in as much as you can without going over the top. It's a special week. It's OK to enjoy it," he said.

The Dogs also insist there are no issue with veteran Dale Morris, who has had an Achilles complaint but has been a modified program and passed a fitness test on Wednesday.

Matthew Suckling, a dual premiership player with Hawthorn, midfielder Lin Jong and ruckman Tom Campbell were named as emergencies.

Suckling missed last week's match because of an Achilles injury and Beveridge said he was still not quite right.

"We have to manage his workloads and training quite differently to the rest of the group. We just felt he was enough off just to not force him into the side," he said.

The Dogs are confident they will not be over-awed by the occasion, and are ready to handle the Swans who have been the best starting team in the league. The Swans are +287 points for first terms, including being +161 in their past eight first terms.

The Swans have dominated the opening 20 minutes of first quarters this season, never more so than against the Cats last week when they booted for for the term - the first 26 seconds into the contest - while holding their opponents goalless.

Beveridge, who has helped to unify the club in his two years there and preside over a remarkable on-field rise, said his team had also started matches well, but had been inaccurate in front of goal.

"They (Swans) get out of the gates quickly, there is no doubt. We do, too, we just don't kick goals," he said.

"We are looking for a strong start, to hit the scoreboard. Unfortunately, we have been a bit wasteful the last three games. I think both teams start well but the Swans have had some really emphatic starts in recent times.

"You would be pretty disappointed if you ran out in the grand final and you weren't ready for that first bounce. I think both teams will come at each other pretty hard and, obviously, we are both looking to get the upper hand."

Added Swans captain Jarrad McVeigh: "Grand finals aren't won in the first minute - the reality is it's going to take four quarters."

The Dogs must also find a way to maintain high disposal efficiency when heading inside their attacking 50, for the Swans have the best record in the league of negating scores inside their defensive arc. The Swans had 48 turnovers in their defensive half last week but the Cats were able to convert only three goals from these.

Swans forward Lance Franklin poses a major threat, and not only closer to goal, for he was particularly damaging when allowed top roam up the ground last week. He booted five goals against the Dogs when they last met in round 15 at the SCG, and is likely to have Joel Hamling - one of the emerging stars of this finals series - as his opponent. The Dogs will also look to negate small forwards Tom Papley and Ben McGlynn.

The chess-match that will be the battle of the midfield will also be pivotal, for in Tom Mitchell, Kieren Jack, Dan Hannebery and Josh Kennedy, the Swans have arguably the best group in the league. The Dogs, however, boast their own group of strong inside midfielders and outside runners, led by the class of Marcus Bontempelli.