Western Bulldogs key defender Alex Keath is confident Saturday night’s blockbuster against Melbourne will look a little different to when the two sides last met.
The Bulldogs were handed their second loss of the season by the Dees in round 11, after a slow start saw them concede six first-quarter goals in an empty Marvel Stadium.
The 27-point buffer at quarter time was a gap the Bulldogs couldn’t close.
Remarkably, the competition’s top two teams will face off again – for the second time in nine weeks.
Keath said while the group will review that game as part of their preparations, it won’t be the only thing they focus on.
“We’ll look (at that game) as there’s lessons to be learnt, but there’s been a bit of change to both sides,” Keath told RSN 927 on Tuesday morning.
“There’s obviously some jostling for the top four spots…and obviously the carrot of the top two as well, so plenty on the line for both sides, but also another learning opportunity.”
Saturday’s rematch at the MCG will again have no crowds in attendance, due to the state’s extended lockdown.
“We’re just shattered that we won’t have our fans there again, to play against a quality team of the competition, Keath said.
“You definitely hear the voices of your teammates and obviously the opposition a lot more (when there’s no crowds) so in a strange way it can lift the intensity from a personal point of view.”
