There are two things in the footy world that people can’t argue with: Lachie Neale has great calves and that our Victorian fans are some of the liveliest in the country.

We return to Melbourne for the first time in 2023 to take on Josh Dunkley’s old side, the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

And while we’re sure Dunks’ return to the kennel will be welcomed by nothing but loud cheers and applause by the Doggies faithful, we’re expecting a fierce battle as our boys take the momentum from the eventful win over the Demons into Round 3.

Last time we met

It was a Charlie Cameron masterclass last time we played the Western Bulldogs.

In another Thursday night lights clash, this time at the Gabba, scores were nearly level at half time before ‘Chuck’ put on a show.

Cameron was destructive in the third quarter, kicking two goals and adding three direct assists for the term to give the home team a break it would not relinquish.

In an inspired performance, Charlie finished with four goals for the night – and five goal assists. 

Be excited about…

Kiddy’s return

Keidean Coleman returns to the line-up this week after recovering from concussion.

One of the silkiest kicks in the competition with a love for tackling, we’re pretty excited to see Kiddy strut his stuff across the half-back line this week.

Our Vic fans

We said it before and we’ll say it again, our Victorian fans are lively. The noise they can emit is nothing short of deafening and their support is like an extra player on the field.

We love getting back down to see you guys, and while we left on a disappointing note in 2022 following our prelim defeat, the boys are ready to put their best foot forward tonight and put on a show. 

Key match-ups we’re keen for

Joe Daniher vs Liam Jones

Joe Daniher’s performance against Melbourne flew under the radar in a team full of contributors. But with four goals to his name, early signs show Joey could be back to the form we saw early last year.

On paper, he will line up against Liam Jones, whose break from the gap hasn’t seemed to phase him form wise.

Stats nerds are going to enjoy this one. Jones averages 2.5 intercept marks a game and 3.5 spoils (sorry Liam, Harris averages more), while Joe ironically averages 2.5 goals and 3.5 marks a game.

With the two balanced on the stats sheet, it will make for a fascinating battle in the goal square tonight.