After reaching the finals for the first time in five years, Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae believes his young side will be able to “handle the hype” when they take on Adelaide in an elimination final this weekend.

In his third season, Macrae has been a critical part of the Bulldogs success this year and says that despite an inexperienced list, the Bulldogs will be primed for the challenge.

“I think during the season we’ve tried to hose down the expectation and the hype and just go out and play what we do and I think you’ve seen how all the young players have handled the hype.

“I think this weekend is another step in that direction that we’ve been taking and hopefully we’ll handle it well and play well.”

No one in the football world predicted the Bulldogs rise, and despite starting the first five rounds with a 4-1 win-loss record, many assumed the young side would drop off at the latter part stages of the season.

“I think at every time of the year when the outsiders have said we’ve got a young team and we’re about to fall off we’ve proven them wrong.

“This weekend, everyone’s just so excited to get out there and play and show the footy world what we’re capable of on the big stage of finals.

“We’re just going to back in our game plan and back in our players that play.”

For much of the season, the Bulldogs spoke about the need to ‘earn the right’ to play finals.

After winning 14 games and finishing sixth on the ladder, they have completed that mission, but Macrae says the aspirations don’t end there.

“I know from when I first got drafted to the Club this is the position we wanted to be in.

“It’s been great the journey we’ve been on but this is where I think we should be and I think we’ve earned the right to play finals and hopefully win on the weekend as well.

“With such a young team there’s always room for growth and finals always brings out the best in you and I think you’ll see some players will just step up for the big stage and I’m looking forward to seeing who that’s going to be.”