The Western Bulldogs are embracing the hype around their highly-anticipated clash with Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Friday night.
It will be the first time the sides have squared off since the Dogs won last year's epic preliminary final.
"It's an exciting confrontation ... there are many rivalries but this one is developing as a really important one for the game," coach Luke Beveridge said on Thursday morning.
"It obviously means GWS have made pretty good statements on the field and turned into a powerful team and we're pretty happy to be talked about in that regard as well."
The Dogs and GWS enter round six with 4-1 records with the Giants in fourth place due to their superior percentage.
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Despite dropping just one game - a shock loss to Fremantle - the reigning premiers have not been firing on all cylinders.
"I think we've played our best footy at different times," Beveridge said.
"We've looked really good and looked like we've got it all covered with our team defence and the way we use the ball.
"How far off from a four-quarter statement are we? Who knows.
"I haven't got a crystal ball but you'd like to think it's just around the corner."
Midfielder Mitch Wallis will play in the VFL at the weekend as he steps up his recovery from a broken leg suffered in round 18 last season.
"It's brilliant ... he's worked really hard," Beveridge said.
"He obviously had a significant injury, breaking two bones in his leg in those circumstances.
"So Mitch is excited and looking forward to bringing his best performances over the next few weeks and maybe getting back into the AFL team."
