Backs against the wall, away from home and outside the top four, it’s a familiar scene for the red, white and blue. 

We’ve seen this movie before, Bulldogs fans. 

Success has followed these situations in the past, but we know that isn’t guaranteed in 2022.  This is a different team, and a different opportunity. 

“If you all don’t truly believe that you’re capable then you are no chance.”

That’s the line coach Luke Beveridge has used in the past week to describe the internal psyche.  It’s a familiar theme at the Bulldogs. 

A team that never gives up and fights for every contest, and come Saturday night, this game will be no different.

While the narrative may be the similarities between now and 2016, much has changed to the 22 that will take to Optus Stadium this Saturday night.

Seven players remain from that powerful Elimination Final performance in the West seven years ago. 

Many of them are now leaders of the football club and have led the sustained success throughout the finals ever since. 

Caleb Daniel was a midfield-forward in that period, now an integral user in the backline. 

Zaine Cordy was kicking goals in that finals series and now preventing them as a key back in the Bulldogs line-up. 

It’s a new forward line with plenty of excitement and promise. Sam Darcy swung forward for the first time and kicked vital goals. 

Aaron Naughton has had a 50-goal season, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is making his way in year number two and Cody Weightman has a career-high tally of majors in 2022.

Ryan Gardiner has been a mainstay in defence, holding key forwards accountable and developing his intercept game, a pivotal player in the 22.

Ed Richards’ consistency has been an asset, defending grimly and rebounding with precision.

The midfield power and depth is spoken about continuously and becomes a vital part of a thrilling clearance game. 

You know the names…Bontempelli, Smith, Treloar, Dunkley, Macrae, English. 

This is a team that on any given day believe they can produce their best, and are finals hardened. 

Bevo put it simply on Tuesday night, “You’ve got to win three, or you’ve got to win four.”

Let’s hope Saturday night in the wild west is win number one.