SCHEDULED to play lower-ranked Collingwood at the MCG off a shorter break, the Western Bulldogs would be entitled to complain about the wildcard hand they have been dealt.

But star midfielder Ed Richards insists the Bulldogs aren't fazed and are ready for the do-or-die match – and confident spearhead Aaron Naughton will be ready to go.

The eighth-placed Bulldogs' usual home ground is Marvel Stadium, but Luke Beveridge's charges are required to play at the larger MCG – home ground of ninth-placed Collingwood – for the new-look final.

"There's been a bit of chat about that," Richards said on Monday.

"I love playing at the 'G, so I'm not too fussed. 

"You've got to win finals at the 'G, so you've got to be able to play finals at the MCG and play well. 

"We've been pretty good there this year, so hopefully we can continue some good form, play some good footy there on Friday."

Collingwood also get an extra day's rest, having played Brisbane on Friday night before the Bulldogs beat Melbourne on Saturday.

"It's not a really crazy difference, so we're not going to be thinking about it too much," Richards said.

Naughton, who rolled his ankle late against Melbourne, wasn't involved in Monday's light session but is expected to play.

"'Naughts' is actually looking pretty good this morning, so hopefully he'll be able to get up as well," Richards said. 

"Needs to get rid of a bit of swelling and stuff from that ankle, but hopefully he'll be right."

Asked if an extra day would have helped, Richards said: "Yes. It would.

"There's not really much we can do about it, so I guess he's just going to have to deal with it.

"He's the ultimate professional, so he'll get himself up. 

"Whether or not it's going to play a factor, I don't know, but hopefully it doesn't. Hopefully he's right and he kicks six."

Ruckman Tim English (knee) is pushing for a surprise return.

Richards and Marcus Bontempelli are ready for a midfield clash with Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey.

"They've obviously got one of the best players in the comp in Nick, so he's going to be someone we have to contend with," Richards said. 

"They've also got to contend with our skipper and what he's been doing this year as well, so it should be a good battle in there."

Richards conceded he felt like the Bulldogs hadn't really made the finals yet.

"I personally think that we haven't," he said. 

"I would like to win this one and then really have that cemented final spot in an elimination. 

"So just treating this one as I guess another week – round 25, if you would."