1. Clearance kings
There’s no denying the Bulldogs’ dominance at stoppages, averaging a league-high 40 clearances a game.
Individually speaking, it’s midfield bull Tom Liberatore leading the competition with an average of 7.7, followed by Mr. Consistent Jack Macrae (seven).
But Port aren’t far behind, with Travis Boak (6.3) and Ollie Wines (5.9) hot on their tails.
Get your popcorn ready, this will be big.
2. Last time they met
It was only three weeks ago that these two sides last faced off, with the Bulldogs finding themselves on the wrong end of a two-point game.
They led for 95 minutes in front of an empty Marvel Stadium - right up until Port kicked three consecutive goals to pinch the lead and the win late.
Despite the best efforts from Lewis Young and Tim English, the Dogs were exposed in the ruck against veteran Scott Lycett, losing the hit-out count 18-51.
But this time around, they’ll have 197-gamer Stefan Martin to compete, and will give themselves every chance to rectify that last result.
3. Forward + back reshuffle
The Bulldogs will be missing a key part of their back-line on Saturday night, with Alex Keath sidelined with hamstring tightness.
But at the opposite end of the ground, they’ll also be missing electric small forward Cody Weightman, who will miss with concussion symptoms.
While they’re two players they’d like to have in, the Dogs are confident they have enough depth to cover the losses.
It will be a big test for the Bulldogs’ back six – led by young talls Zaine Cordy and Ryan Gardner – and their tall forwards, led by Aaron Naughton and Josh Schache.
4. One away
Since the drought-breaking 2016 premiership, the Bulldogs have been starved of finals success.
They’ve reached the finals three times in the last five seasons (this year included), but wasn’t until two weeks ago they were able to notch up their first finals win since the flag.
The challenge this week doesn’t get much bigger – Port Adelaide, on their home deck, in front of arguably the most hostile of hostile crowds.
The odds may be against us, but the equation is simple.
Win, and we’re into the big dance. Yield to None, boys.
