Until the Western Bulldogs won the 2016 flag by winning four consecutive finals after finishing outside the top four, no one thought it was possible.

They proved it can be done.

Easton Wood (left) and Matthew Boyd celebrate the Western Bulldogs’ fairytale 2016 premiership, from seventh place.Credit: Scott Barbour

“Once you get that first win, that first bit of momentum, the question becomes: why not?” said 2016 Bulldogs premiership captain Easton Wood.

Why not indeed.

There are those saying it will be done again in 2024 as the Brisbane Lions, the Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Carlton shape as the strongest group of elimination finalists seen since the top eight started in its modern form.

Bulldogs midfielder Ed Richards is not looking far ahead, but he knows as well as anyone that each elimination final winner will believe they are capable of going all the way.

The Bulldogs finished sixth but give themselves a premiership chance.Credit: Getty Images

“We beat some pretty good sides this year … that’s why we are there, and put our best foot forward and hopefully have a good finals campaign,” Richards said.

The Lions play Carlton at the Gabba in a repeat of last year’s preliminary final, while the Bulldogs play the Hawks, one of the four teams they defeated on their way to their drought-breaking flag in Luke Beveridge’s second year as coach.

“Hawthorn are going unbelievably well. We have to respect them. They are going to be up and about, and we are looking forward to the challenge,” Richards said.

That challenge is huge even though........

© Brisbane Times