BRAD Johnson will sit in the coaches box and rue his bad timing on Saturday night as his side takes to the field against St Kilda in the NAB Cup grand final.

The Bulldogs' captain, who has missed just six games through injury since his 1994 debut, will watch from behind coach Rodney Eade and curse the lingering soreness that is plaguing his left calf.

And, even though he's at ease with the hand he's been dealt, he'll be just a little bit peeved he's not out there in the Dogs' first grand final appearance in 40 years. 

"It's been a little bit frustrating," Johnson told afl.com.au. "Having not been in that situation much [playing grand finals], it's hard, but you've just got to deal with what's in front of you and move on."

"It's just the timing of it is unfortunate.

"I would have loved to have got though another pre-season unscathed and be leading into the home-and-away season with no issues.

"If I can get through 20 weeks of the year and have no issues, I won't be remembering in round 22 I missed the first two weeks."

Johnson's calf injury - which caused the achilles problem that pushed him into rehab for the past three weeks - flared again on Tuesday.

Despite his personal disappointment, Johnson says he hasn't been removed from any of the Dogs' preparation this week.

"It's been a good week and an exciting time for the footy club," he said.

"There's a buzz around the place and we had Charlie Sutton here. It will be great for the players and for the supporters this weekend."

Like most clubs, Johnson says the Bulldogs are more focussed on the season ahead than what happens in the NAB Cup.

However, he believes much can be obtained from taking out the pre-season competition.

"It would certainly be great to have a grand final win, more so for the experience of it," he said.

"It's important since it's been 40-odd years since we've been in this position. It's something we're looking to change and create our own history down at the club."

Johnson will now look towards a return a few weeks into the season proper and hasn't ruled out the possibility of having a run in the VFL beforehand.

He says he has left the side in the capable hands of Daniel Giansiracusa, who will captain the side on Saturday night and in the home-and-away season games he misses.

"His leadership skills have gone from strength to strength and he's very passionate about his footy," he said.

"It will be a great experience for him and one he's very willing to take on. He did a great job against the Brisbane Lions and I think he'll do it again this week."

Brad Johnson is a $431,400 forward in this year's Toyota AFL Dream Team competition.