The Western Bulldogs will be looking to put an end to an unwanted streak when they take on Geelong on their home turf this week.

It’s a blockbuster clash – second vs third on the AFL ladder, under the Friday night lights – albeit without fans on hand at GMHBA Stadium.

And for the Bulldogs, there’s an added piece of motivation.

Preventing the Cats from making it 10 straight wins at Kardinia Park.

Friday night’s hosts have won the past nine matches between the two teams there, dating back to 2005.

The Cats’ average winning margin through that period has been greater than nine goals.

Last time the Bulldogs won at the venue, list boss Sam Power, assistant coach Rohan Smith, board member Luke Darcy and Barkly St podcast co-host Bob Murphy were all in the starting 22.

That was in 2003, when the Bulldogs won just three games for the season and were the wooden spooners.

Darcy claimed the three Brownlow votes, collecting 21 disposals and 21 hit-outs, while Brad Johnson kicked four goals to go with 24 disposals.

Smith (28 disposals) and Scott West (28 disposals) were the Bulldogs’ leading ball-winners on the day.

But could this be the year the Bulldogs stop the Cats in their tracks?

Perhaps – particularly after ending a similar streak last week against Fremantle, where the Bulldogs won their first game at Optus Stadium, their first in WA since 2016 and their first against the Dockers in WA since 2009.