Golden Square failed in three attempts last year, kicking six, nine and nine goals in their three clashes with the Storm.

On Saturday at MyJet Oval, the Bulldogs get their first crack for 2016 at breaking down a vault-like defensive structure that at this early stage of the season looks stronger than last year.

“When you play a side like Strath you’ve got to understand them very well and do your homework,’’ Golden Square coach Nick Carter said.

“We respect them and if we’re not looking at our opposition we’re not doing our job. In saying that, it can’t be all about them on game day.  We need to identify what we do best and do those things very well because that will give us the opportunity to compete.

“The rest is up to the fight on the day.”

Carter said Strathfieldsaye was in a similar position to the one Golden Square found itself in during the middle of its five-year reign.

“The beauty of having a side that has been successful for a few years is that you can just tinker your game plan and make it stronger and stronger,’’ Carter said.

“A lot of other sides are trying to chase the top dog and they have to re-engineer their game plan.

“Clearly, one area that Strathfieldsaye has done a lot of work on over summer is their defence. We need to be really conscious of that and understand how they’re going to defend.

“I honestly believe we need to take the game on, take risks and be confident. That last thing you want is to get in a defensive bout with these guys. We need to take risks to beat these guys.”

It’s a big day for the Bulldogs, with three of its key players celebrating milestones.

Key defender Dale Young will play his 150th senior game, co-captain Jack Geary his 100th senior match and Che Walls his 50th senior game.

“Dale has been an outstanding player for the club and when you win five premierships you deserve to go down as one of the great team players this club has had,’’ Carter said.

“Jack is still under the age of 25 and has hardly played a bad game in his first 100 games. As a co-captain of the club he has the opportunity to forge forward as one of our key leaders going into this new era.

“Che is a developing player for us, but any milestone, particularly in this day and age where players tend to shop themselves around to clubs, is worth acknowledging.”