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Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield is not expecting Melbourne to be overawed by the AFL preliminary final stage in a blockbuster encounter.

Geelong have truckloads of AFL finals experience but Patrick Dangerfield does not expect that to be an advantage for the Cats' in their preliminary final against Melbourne.

The Cats are in the final four for the 12th time in the past 18 seasons and boast one of the most experienced groups in AFL history.

But the Demons will front up for just their second preliminary final in the past 20 years, with their previous appearance ending in a disastrous thrashing to West Coast in 2018.

Melbourne's finals run three years ago did involve the Demons accounting for a Geelong in an elimination final.

This preliminary final will go ahead on neutral territory at Perth's Optus Stadium.

"I don't really read into it too much," Dangerfield said.

"It's important to settle the nerves early, and as quickly as you possibly can get the game on your terms.

"It's always a contested game, finals, and I suspect Friday night will be the same.

"They've got some really quality players and they've played a terrific brand of footy that's enabled them to finish where they have."

It will be the second clash between the league's two oldest clubs in a month after Melbourne pulled off a stunning come-from-behind win in round 23 to pinch their first minor premiership since 1964.

The Demons also defeated Geelong in round four and have proven themselves against the best sides so far this season.

Dangerfield has been carrying a finger injury for a number of weeks but is making no excuses for not being at his ultimate best.

"Right to go and I can't wait to play in front of a maxed out crowd given the capacity that Perth provides," Dangerfield said.