The four-year-old bulldog from Warrnambool is backing the 'Dogs in this year's AFL grand final clash against the Melbourne Demons.

Owners Leonie, Jason and Indi Neale said they'd also be cheering loudly from their home on Saturday.

Mrs Neale said her Bulldogs blood ran back to her grandfather William McKeown, who started barracking for the team after his move to Australia from Ireland.

She said the family was also related to Chris Grant, the Western Bulldogs legend and member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Indi, 8, said she was actually a Collingwood supporter but she was more than happy to pull on the blue, red and white to support her mum and great grandfather.

"And Marli," she said.

Meanwhile, Warrnambool's Ian Fawcett will miss a Bulldogs grand final for the first time in his 80 years as a supporter.

He was at the MCG when the Western Bulldogs (then Footscrap) won their first premiership in 1954 and again in 2016 - some 62 years later - to see them add a second flag.

This year, Mr Fawcett will be at home on his own.

"It's disappointing but what can you do," he said.

"It's still exciting times. I'm feeling good and not quite as nervous as previous years. It'll be nice to win another one but at least Melbourne isn't the worst team to lose to if we don't."

Fortunately Mr Fawcett's membership ticket wasn't wasted, with the son of his "good Bulldog mate" living in Perth attending Optus Stadium on Saturday.

Mr Fawcett said he believed the 'Dogs had a good chance against the Demons.

"We've got the best list of players at the club in my time and that goes back 80 years," he said.

"I have quite a few favourite players but I do like Marcus Bontempelli. He's a genius."

Mr Fawcett was just 12 when he attended his first premiership at the MCG. He caught the first train from Sunshine and lost his voice for three or four days after joining the crowds' roars.

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