Perth’s Domain Stadium typically isn’t a happy hunting ground for interstate sides. In 2015, only Richmond and Hawthorn were able to take four premiership points away from local residents West Coast and Fremantle.

The Gold Coast SUNS’ record there speaks for itself. Zero wins from seven attempts with the most recent outing against the Eagles bringing a 92-point drubbing at the hands of the hosts.

Despite Fremantle’s heavy defeat to the Western Bulldogs in round one, coach Rodney Eade knows his side faces an extremely difficult task on Saturday.

READ: No risk approach for SUNS

“It’s going to be a really tough game,” Eade told United Coaches Chat on Thursday.

“They’ve been an exceptional side for quite a bit of time, playing finals consistently for a while. They had a bad weekend last week, which can happen, but they’re going to be stung by that.

“Proud club, good sides do bounce back. So we’re in a situation where we’ve got them on the rebound so it’s going to be a tough ask.”

Even if the SUNS don’t leave Perth with a win, the game against the Dockers provides a great opportunity for the side to continue their growth and development against some of the game’s elite in front of what will be a parochial home crowd.

READ: Last time we met- Fremantle

“It’s a great challenge for us. I’m certainly looking forward from the point of view of us growing and us maturing to be able to give it our best shot against a team that’s going to be on a rebound that’s got such good quality players,” Eade said.

“And when you go into a stadium too where everybody’s going to be barracking for the home team, so that’s going to be another test for us but from our point of view and internally we’re looking forward to the challenge.”