It’s not every weekend that you come up against a side honouring a club legend who’ll play his 300^th game, but that’s what the Western Bulldogs will be facing on Saturday night when they take on the Nick Riewoldt-led Saints at Etihad Stadium.

Speaking to westernbulldogs.com.au, assistant coach Rohan Smith said the Dogs will need to be ready for a fight against a young and talented St.Kilda side that could burst out of the gates in honour of their skipper.

“They’re playing a game that is so special to them,” Smith said.

“One of their absolute superstars for their club is playing his 300^th game, so they’re going to be fired up.

“We’re going to have to be ready.”

St.Kilda went down by 33-points last weekend to Port Adelaide, but Smith said the result was not a fair indication of where the Saints are at, and the Dogs will not be taking them lightly.

“The biggest thing for us  [this week]  was to focus on what we did well against the Dockers in round one, but not take St. Kilda lightly because they are a good young footy team. 

“They really pushed Port Adelaide over in Adelaide.”

Despite the big round one win over the Dockers , Smith said the Dogs were back to work early in the week focusing on the Saints.

“It’s probably the best part of having a six day break. 

“You can enjoy that win – but also show where we can improve still and show what St.Kilda were able to do on many occasions.

“We need to make sure we’re in the right frame of mind and ready for a fight on Saturday night.”