Western Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge says his side is ready to challenge Collingwood in their 2021 AFL season-opener tomorrow night at the MCG.

Beveridge said while last year’s round one result – a 52-point loss to the Pies – was far from ideal, he is confident his Bulldogs’ best footy can match it with any team in 2021.

“We didn’t have the best start last year – it’s a long time ago and our team is different again, but some of those experiences wake you up to the perils of the competition, the strength of who you play against, and how much respect you need to have for anyone that you play,” Beveridge told media on Thursday morning.

“We need to be at our very best to play well against what is essentially still a reasonably experienced Collingwood side.

“The good thing is this time around we are going to have some fans – albeit mostly black and white because it’s their home game – but the build-up has been really enjoyable.

“Our boys are really looking forward to the bright lights at the MCG – we love playing there, and we only get a chance to two or three times a year, so we have to make the most of this one.”

Beveridge said his side won’t be phased by external expectations placed on them this season.

“I think our internal expectations over time probably haven’t waivered too much – we always believe, whether it’s right or wrong from an external point of view, that we can be one of the better teams,” he said.

“(While) our journey factually hasn’t been, we do go into this season feeling like we’ve got probably a little more of that important experience under our belt.

“I don’t know if there’s a different word for (our expectations), but on the dawn of the season we feel like we should be in the mix.”

The Bulldogs have already named two AFL debutants – Anthony Scott and Lachie McNeil – and two club debutants - Adam Treloar and Stef Martin – for tomorrow night’s game.

The round one team will be revealed tonight at 6.20pm.