Speaking at a press conference, Wood called the ground the "best surface I've played on in the AFL" and described the experience of playing at Mars as "absolutely pristine and if you get some good conditions."

After starting the season with two wins, the Bulldogs spiraled, dropping four straight games before their resounding round seven win against Richmond. Wood said he was excited about the direction his side was heading in.

"From a team perspective it was great to get good performances across the board," he said.

"It's great to see some of our guys playing their best football. We're always looking to get the best out of everyone, whether it's their fifth game or their 255th game. I've certainly got a lot of belief in this group and what we're capable of, we showed on the weekend that our ceiling is pretty high."

Speaking exclusively to The Courier, Bulldogs defender Jackson Trengove echoed the sentiments of his captain about the quality of Mars Stadium and his excitement ahead of Saturday's game.

"We're all really looking forward to getting back to Ballarat, obviously it's a terrific deck and we get some great support out there."

Trengove recently returned to the Bulldogs lineup after missing the first five games of the season. His addition has been a welcome one to Wood who has been playing an unfamiliar defensive position.

"It's been a different start for the year for me as a deeper defender - it's not something I've done before and something I've had to adjust to but with Jackson Trengove coming back into the side it allows me to play my more natural game," Wood said.

Trengove is weary of the challenge ahead for the Bulldogs, with the Lions coming off their own impressive win against the Sydney Swans in Brisbane and currently sitting in fourth on the AFL ladder.

"We're coming up against a really strong opponent in the Brisbane Lions who have been playing some great footy and obviously had a good win on the weekend," he said.

"The Lions are one of the in-form sides in the AFL, they've got some really good players - it's going to be a tough challenge for us but we're looking forward to it."

Trengove stressed the importance of the AFL holding more regional games to best allow fans to view their favourite product.

"Not everyone is able to come down to Melbourne and get to see an AFL game so it's a big honor for us to be able to play in front of them."

The Bulldogs and Lions will clash on Saturday at Mars Stadium at 1.25pm.