Gold Coast is gearing up for its annual double-header in the Top End, where the club will host the Western Bulldogs this Saturday night and kick off the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round against Hawthorn on Thursday, May 15.

Boasting a 6-2 win record at Darwin’s TIO Stadium, the SUNS have championed the league's record for “'home away from home” performances, and will be looking to make it 8-2 in its fourth venture to the NT, says former SUNS captain Jarrod Witts.

“Darwin's kind of our home away from home and we've been able to match that with results over the last few years,” Witts said.

“So, we're really confident going up there. We know the conditions, we just enjoy being amongst it together.”

The Northern Territory is home in more ways than one for several SUNS, including Daniel Rioli, Joel Jeffrey and Ben Long, who all grew up in Darwin.

It injects an extra bout of confidence into the team, says SUNS key defender Mac Andrew.

“We obviously have six players in our team who have come from Darwin… they know the game up there so that's a bit of an advantage,” Andrew added.

“Also, the hot weather is similar to here, so we get a bit of an advantage there to teams that come up from Melbourne.”

After falling short to rival Brisbane Lions last Sunday, the SUNS are keen to reclaim the ascendency in the contest in the upcoming clashes.  

“I think we need to be better around the footy,” Witts said.

“We let ourselves down for patches of the game but we've got full confidence that we'll be able to turn that around.”

“The midfielders will definitely get to work this week, (we’re) looking forward to a big performance from them in Darwin,” Andrew added.

“We have a pretty good track record up there so it'll be really fun. Hopefully we can come away 2-0.”

Aside from an action-packed week of footy, the annual trip provides a unique opportunity for the SUNS players to strengthen their team chemistry.

“It’s good to build that connection with the team and team chemistry,” Andrew said.

“I think a few of the boys are going to take us out fishing and stuff like that. So yeah, it's just good to bond with all your teammates.

“It'll be a good experience and it's always a good trip up there.”

The SUNS take on the Bulldogs this Saturday Night, stream all the action from 7:35pm on Fox Footy, Kayo and 7mate.