Western Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge says the starting point to winning finals is belief.
In his eight seasons at the helm, Beveridge has led the Dogs to seven wins from 11 finals, including two Grand Final berths.
That record could be improved to eight from 12 this weekend, when his side meets Fremantle in a sold-out Elimination Final at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
“All finals obviously are sudden death if you haven’t got that double chance - it’s just that desire to want to play longer than just the one week,” Beveridge told media on Wednesday morning.
“As I’ve said before, a thought turns into a belief – if not everyone believes, it’s going to be a real challenge.
“With our group, we instil belief with them, but they’ve got a deep-seated confidence in one another too.
“That is the starting point to win a final. You (need to) believe in what you’re doing, but also believe in each other.
“We’ll go over to Western Australia with that (mentality), but understanding too that Fremantle have imposed themselves on the competition this year.
“With a parochial 50-odd thousand purple crowd, it’s going to be an experience.”
Beveridge also acknowledged the countless sliding doors moments that ultimately saw his team claim the last top-eight spot.
“We knew at three-quarter time a couple of weeks ago if we didn't come over the top of GWS, we were done and dusted. Then it was the Hawthorn game in Launceston where we really had to grind and win that game,” Beveridge recalled.
"The Collingwood-Carlton experience – even the Kozzie Pickett goal at the end of that game (a week earlier) – there has been a lot going on.
“The gods have smiled on us to get us in there. You make your own luck at times.
"We won't dwell on any of that now, but there is no doubt that halfway through the third quarter of the Collingwood-Carlton game, we thought our year was over.
“We've got a bit of a spring in our step this week."
The Bulldogs have ruled out midfielder Tom Liberatore (hamstring) for the do-or-die clash, but expect Bailey Smith to play.
The full team will be confirmed at 6.20pm AEST on Thursday night.
