The Lions, seeking a fourth-straight grand final berth and hunting a third flag, will host the Blues on Saturday at Brighton Homes Arena.
Carlton, beaten finalists in 2019, thumped Hawthorn on Saturday to reach the competition's penultimate week.
In the post-game broadcast 19-year-old McKay playfully faced the camera and declared "we're coming for you" when asked if she had a message for Brisbane and their long-time coach Craig Starcevich.
Dawes was watching at home and was ready to respond on Monday.
"I brought something for that ... this is how I feel about that," she said, holding up a giant print-out of her own face, attached to a stick.
The prop, given to her by a fan and retained as a keepsake, depicts Dawes with an angry expression and gritted teeth.
"Come on, come to Brighton Homes Arena; we're pumped for it," she said.
McKay, whose sister Abbie captains the side and father Andrew played 244 AFL games for the club, has lit up this season with her dynamic play and theatrical goal celebrations.
The playful back-and-forth has set the scene for what should be a compelling contest between the in-form Lions - who have won eight-straight games - and a slick and potent Blues unit.
"I love it; footy is entertainment and this stuff pops off in the media but we'll let our footy do the talking on the day," Dawes said.
"Fair enough," Carlton vice-captain Mimi Hill said of the Lions' comments.
"But I know that there is a bit of chat on the oval from them as well.
"So I'm sure it'll be a pretty heated game. I'm excited for that."
Carlton beat Brisbane earlier this season and Dawes said the side had used the external doubt around their premiership credentials as motivation.
"We're just used to it now, but it does frustrate," she said.
"We have a few losses, people write us off.
"It fuels us, but they'll keep doing it so we'll keep proving them wrong.
"We knew we always had it in us and ... those vulnerable conversations, it's made us better."
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