Experienced defender Taylor Duryea is out to help make Optus Stadium a happy hunting ground for the Western Bulldogs this week.

The Bulldogs have yet to taste success at the venue – holding a 0-4 record after two games apiece there against Fremantle and the West Coast Eagles.

Since that famous 2016 elimination final victory against the Eagles – at Subiaco – the Bulldogs haven’t been able to return from Western Australia with a win.

And their last win against the Dockers in their home state was way back in 2009.

But this is a different Bulldogs team to recent years – one that sits second on the AFL ladder with a 9-2 record, and perhaps an added point to prove after last week’s loss to ladder leaders, Melbourne.

“I actually haven’t played there so I’m hoping I’m the good luck charm and that’s probably the end of it,” Duryea told media today.

“It’s a different dimension – it’s a big ground, obviously that in itself has challenges. And then Freo being a strong team playing at home.

“Like any away game, it’s going to be hostile. We experienced that with Port Adelaide in Adelaide and we were able to come away with a strong victory.

“As much as it is a tough task, it’s something we look forward to.”