Western Bulldogs defender Josh Bruce says the team is preparing for another eight-point game against the Giants at Mars Stadium this weekend.

Both the Dogs and Giants will enter the Saturday afternoon clash on 40 points, with the opportunity to gain a small buffer on the ladder ahead of a seven-team logjam.

Bruce said defeating Essendon in similar circumstances should provide a good platform.

“You look at the ladder and there’s just so many teams on the same amount of points,” Bruce told RSN on Wednesday morning.

“It’s one of those (seasons) where you’ve just got to keep winning to keep your head above water and keep the sharks at bay.

“Last weekend was a really important one - it was one of those classic eight-point weekends where us and the Bombers were on the same amount of points. I think it’ll be the same this weekend coming up.

“There’s certainly no easy games coming up.

“The Giants are flying at the moment, so it should be a good one down in the ‘Rat.”

The Bulldogs have won six of their past seven against GWS, and seven of their 10 matches at Mars Stadium.

Bruce said the team loves getting down to Ballarat each season.

“We do love going to Ballarat,” he said.

“We love the community out west, and especially the connection there with Jamarra and his family from down that way too. It’s a beautiful part of the world.

“I think with any venue there’s a little bit of wind factor.

“You just need to know what direction it’s going and then adjust your gameplan accordingly quarter-by-quarter.”

Tickets to the Bulldogs-Giants clash are on sale now.