A straight sets exit from the AFL finals for the Western Bulldogs would mean their season had been worthless, according to coach Rodney Eade.

After being belted by Hawthorn in last week's qualifying final, the Bulldogs face experienced finals campaigners Sydney in a semi-final showdown on Friday night.

If they lose, they will become the third top four team since the current finals system began in 2000 to bow out in straight sets.

Despite the club's best start to a season - they lost just one of 15 games - the Dogs' confidence has been rocked by six beatings in their last eight matches.

"We've won 15 home and away games and played some good footy but I think to go out in straight sets makes it a hollow season," Eade said.

"So we certainly need to make a stand and have to win (against Sydney) to make a step forward."

Eade admitted the 51 point loss to Hawthorn was the club's worst performance of the year.

While he said some players might have been overawed by the pressure of finals football, Eade maintained the team just did not win enough contested possessions - a hallmark of their early season success.

He challenged his players to rise to the occasion against the Swans by putting their body on the line in tight when the ball is in dispute. He also urged them to work harder at pressuring the ball-carrier.

"We're all accountable and responsible for our actions and certainly the players as a group need to stand up on Friday night," he said.

"Teams and individuals over the years, they make their names when the heat's on and other people fall away - I don't think you can gloss over that.

"It's being able to look that (challenge) straight in the eyes and meet that head on ... and that's what we've got to do on Friday night."

Eade also hoped his team would be able to curtail the Swans' strength of scoring from stoppages.

During the season, Sydney were ranked the No.1 team in that area and last week they outscored North Melbourne by five goals from this source.

Forward Robert Murphy, who will line up for his 150th game, admitted he had completely forgotten about the milestone but said he would not give it much thought given the magnitude of the match for the team.

He said there was no point dwelling on the disappointment of the team's effort against the Hawks, saying the team was now entirely focused on hitting back against the Swans.

"There's disappointment sure, but disappointment goes to a point where it becomes counter-productive," Murphy said.

"So you have a few days of licking wounds - there's not enough time to ponder the season's end.

"It's all our energy into Friday night and making amends."

Although the Dogs have beaten the Swans in their two encounters during the home and away series, Murphy said it would mean nothing come Friday night.

"It's a whole new game, finals and they're an experienced finals side, highly respected," he said.

"Both sides will start on zero on Friday night and it will be war."

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