1. Freo's new castle on the hill

So here we are again, off to Perth.

This is usually the part where we reel off our recent run of not so great results against the Dockers at Domain Stadium, and say something encouraging about how the boys are sure to turn it around this time. 

But not today, when the ball is bounced on Saturday night it will be in the middle of the shiny new 60,000 seat Optus Stadium, where the Dogs are, that’s right, undefeated.

The Dockers themselves have only played their twice, which incidentally is only one more time than Ed Sheeran, so it’s virtually a neutral venue.

Except for the 58,000 West Australians, obviously.

2. Form lines

That state of play is this.  They’re 13th, we’re 15, and we’re both coming off losses to the Sydney sides.  They’re 2-2, and we’re 1-3.

Bob Murphy talked about what an honourable loss means during the week, and the Dogs’  last week was certainly that, but it’s now all about what we produce this week.

After a rough start, the Dogs have been playing some solid football over the past fortnight.  The run, the fight, the snarl is back, and a win in the west this week do nicely as we come into a run of home games.

3. Patty’s back

It’s been well documented that the Dogs have been the youngest team in the competition over the first three weeks, with Ed Richards (18), Aaron Naughton (18), Tim English (20), Billy Gowers (21) all having some moments. 

And now 19-year-old Patrick Lipinski has forced his way back into the side after some sparkling form in the VFL. 

Taken with the 28th pick in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, he first cracked the AFL side in Round 23 last year, and after 22 touches, four goals and 11 tackles in Rd 1, he dished up 22 touches and two goals in two quarters last week and now gets his chance.

4. Boydy’s half century

You may also have heard that the big number 17 is also back in for his first senior game of the year, and his 50th career game.

Tom Boyd looked energised and confident on the track this week, and why wouldn’t he be after a dominant five-goal performance in the VFL on the weekend.

With Jack Redpath sidelined with knee soreness, Boyd’s 23 possessions, six marks, six tackles and 11 hit-outs to go along with his five snags were enough to see him return for the trip to Perth.

It’s good to have him back.  Congratulations, Boydy, here’s to 50 more.