Western Bulldogs veteran Daniel Giansiracusa concedes he is one of a number of senior Dogs players that have to lift in Friday night's knockout semi-final against Brisbane at the MCG.

Giansiracusa, a veteran of 166 games dating back to 2001, managed just 14 touches and was held goalless during last week's 14-point loss to Geelong in the qualifying final.

And while it was only the 27-year-old's third game back from a knee injury that sidelined him for seven matches, the star forward said that was no excuse for his disappointing performance.

"My first game back (against Geelong in Round 21) was okay but since then my form hasn't been great," he said.

"As one of the leaders of the footy club, I am looking to get back on track this week."

"It's up to seven or eight of us in the leadership group to lead the way and I am one of them and I am looking forward to getting out there this week."

Giansiracusa, who has averaged just over a goal per game during his long career, has not kicked a major in three matches since returning, but says it is not just on the scoreboard where he needs to contribute more this week.

"I don't go out there to kick goals as such and put a number on it but I am there to kick goals or have goal assists and I had a few of those on the weekend but I'd like to get my hands on the footy a bit more."

The veteran forward said he was always confident he would make it back from his knee injury in time for the business end of the season. But now, having got three games under his belt, he needs to lift.

"Three weeks ago I thought I would come back through the VFL but it was good to get back in the side (straight away) and I am enjoying being back out there," he said.

"But I would just like my form and the team's form to be up and it will be good to hopefully get a few more kicks on the weekend."

Giansiracusa said the fact the Dogs were also in this position last year - after losing their qualifying final to Hawthorn before bouncing back to beat Sydney in the semis - gave the team confidence ahead of Friday's knockout final against the Lions.

"I think we have got a strong belief in our group and even on the weekend there were patches where we played okay but we can't have those lapses in concentration."

"Every finals campaign you come up in you are learning and we have had a couple over the last few years and we were in this position last year as well so we will definitely use that."

"We have grown as a group in the last 12 months and we know what we have to do and that is to get a win on Friday night."