Here are four things to keep an eye on when the Western Bulldogs take on the Geelong Cats at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon

1. Dahlhaus vs the Dogs
Let’s cut to the chase.
It’s a big week for Dog-turned-Cat Luke Dahlhaus
Despite leaving the Kennel at the end of 2018, Dahlhaus remains a much-loved figure among the Bulldogs faithful. His contribution to the red, white and blue was significant, and he obviously played an important role in the 2016 premiership.
Coming up against your old side always presents a challenge.
And we’re glad he’s enjoying his footy at the Cats.
But we hope we’re the ones enjoying our footy more at the final siren on Saturday.

2. Midfield battle
The midfield battle is always critical to deciding the contest, and it’s a mouth-watering proposition this week.
Patrick Dangerfield. Tim Kelly. Gary Ablett. Mitch Duncan.
Oh, and then there’s the welcome return of Joel Selwood from injury for the Cats.
But the Bulldogs midfield bats equally deep, if not more so.
Marcus Bontempelli. Jack Macrae. Lachie Hunter. Tom Liberatore.
And how about Josh Dunkley’s numbers over the past two weeks?
It. Is. On.

3. Home turf advantage
We haven’t won at Kardinia Park for a little while.
The Cats have won our past eight clashes on their home turf, with our most recent win coming there in… 2003.
Dale Morris hadn’t made his debut. Marcus Bontempelli was eight. Bailey Smith was three
Yeah, it was a while ago.
But there’s not time like the present to put an end to that streak… particularly on the back of the Bulldogs’ red-hot form over the past fortnight.

4. Dogs’ road to goal
Over the past two weeks, the Dogs have averaged 95.5 points per game – up on a season average of 79.6 points per game.
A key pillar of that has been the Astronaught, who has slotted eight goals in that period.
But the challenge goes up another gear this weekend.
The Cats are stingy – they’ve conceded just 535 points for the season, the least in the competition (alongside Adelaide).
That’s just 66.8 points per game. And at GMHBA Stadium, it’s even less this season – 57 points per game.
Bring on the challenge.