WESTERN Bulldogs defender Lindsay Gilbee believes his club is ready for its biggest challenge this season as it prepares to tackle the premiers Geelong next Saturday at Skilled Stadium.

Gilbee, 27, said there's "no doubt" the Dogs are now staring at their tallest hurdle this year, but are looking forward to measuring themselves up against the competition leaders.

"Down there on their home ground, it's going to be tough to beat them but we're looking forward to the challenge," he said.

"First versus second is exciting. It's certainly going to be a tough game down there, and hopefully we'll give them a fair run for their money.

"They'll be hot favourites, but they should be.

"It's certainly going to be a good game."

Gilbee said there would be no change in how the Bulldogs prepare for Geelong to the build up they implemented ahead of Sunday's clash with the 16th-placed Demons.

"You don't prepare any differently. We're going to have to step it up a fair bit on our intensity and stuff," he said.

"When it comes to preparation, it will be just like normal."

He acknowledged the Cats would be vulnerable with Cameron Ling (fractured cheekbone) a certainty to miss, and Gary Ablett (ankle) in serious doubt.

"You have to prepare for those guys to play," he said.

"They're two fantastic players and if they don't play, they'll be sorely missed for the Geelong team.

"We hope they don't play, but it doesn't matter if they are playing; we just have to tackle them front on."

The Bulldogs were untidy at times during Sunday's 31-point win over the Demons, with Gilbee stating "the best thing we can take out of this game is the four points".

However, he said it was that his side was capable of winning, even when not playing at its best.

"The way we went about it was probably not how we would have liked. We had a pretty heavy week on the track as well so maybe that had something to do with it," he said.

"But we won, we won ugly, and that's not such a bad thing.

"That's one thing that we can take out of it is that if things don't go our way, we can still win.

"That's a positive sign. It's going to be a tough game next week against Geelong, and we're looking forward to the challenge."