Since his debut in 1994, Johnson has played in 12 finals across seven seasons, with the early stages of his career offering ample opportunities to be involved in September action.
Since 2000, however, the 32-year-old has played in just three finals, with the Bulldogs only managing to qualify in '00 and '06.
"Throughout the 90s, we only missed the finals series on one occasion in 1996 and since 2001, we've been in it once," Johnson reflected on Monday.
"The opportunities can dry up, so that's why it's important as group (that) you try and make the most of the opportunities that present themselves. It's probably been 10 years since we've been in a position to have a good crack at playing some good footy in September.
"So that's what we've got to get through to the guys; that opportunities can go away pretty quick, but they can come around again just as quick.
The Bulldogs have known since the end of round 18 they would play Hawthorn in the second qualifying final after sealing a certain top-three spot. After weeks of waiting, Johnson says it's a relief that the match has finally arrived and the players can begin to prepare for battle.
"The last four or five weeks, we've known it's going to be the Hawks, but we've been focused on trying to put our processes in place that we do (on) game day to try and get the wins and to keep our confidence there," he said.
"Our confidence hasn't wavered. Our training has been fantastic right throughout the season, and we're confident we can go into this game and have a red-hot crack at it."
Johnson predicted the Dogs will be able to go to an "extra level" during the finals, with putting four consistent quarters together their main aim.
"When we do that, we can beat any team in the competition, there's no doubt about that," he said.
"Obviously we've got to put that together on the weekend, because playing finals footy can be tight. At certain stages we've got to stand up as a group and be strong in those situations so we can control the game."
Johnson said the feeling of finals has reinvigorated his teammates after a long home-and-away season.
"The sun was out this morning and the birds were chirping at Whitten Oval, and the boys had a spring in their step," he said.
"Everyone seems to have recovered very well, and we're really looking forward to stepping out there Friday night."
