The Lions have won the only two finals between the two sides in 1999 and 2000.
"Anything can happen when you’re in the finals," Notting said.
"Obviously the Bulldogs have got all the pressure on them this week because they finished third on the ladder.
"If they were to go out in straight sets then they would have to stop and really question themselves and we’ve got nothing to lose."
The Bulldogs led by six goals in their Round 20 clash before a familiar final-quarter surge saw the Lions lose by only 18 points.
Notting said the Lions' finishing power would give the side confidence.
"We’re a very fit side and very determined to not give up," Notting said.
"It would be nicer to be in front at three-quarter time I suppose, but it doesn’t matter how you win them so long as you get over the line at the end."
Friday night's match will be the 17th final since 2000 for the Lions, the most of any club this decade.
Notting said the Lions were on the cusp of another productive period with a factory line of young talent starting to shine. "I think it’s just on the horizon," Notting said.
"I think the Brisbane Lions are going to be fantastic over the next 10 years.
"We’ve got some really good kids coming through and even the ones that aren’t playing in the seniors now - the ones who have just been playing in the reserves or have just been injured - are very good players."
Notting played under Leigh Matthews for 10 years after making his debut in 1998 when the Lions took the wooden spoon.
So he was glad to experience at least one year under different coach Michael Voss.
He said the first-year coach had the players motivated to perform for him.
"I think he’s taken a few things from what Leigh has done and taken a few from himself," Notting said.
"Obviously to make finals in his first year, I don’t think too many coaches would have achieved that so he’s done very well and he’s only going to improve in the next couple of years."
