The Western Bulldogs, desperate for a win to stay in touch with the top eight, face the third-placed Brisbane Lions in a huge game at the Gabba.

It is too early to say if a changing of the guard has taken place but it isn't too early to brand the Power the genuine article.

Chairman Paul Lederer wants to get to the bottom of the "inconsistency" that made Western Sydney the only club alongside Central Coast Mariners to miss the past three finals series.

Blake Green made an immediate impact for Newcastle, leading his new team to a 44-4 thumping of Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Melbourne Victory's interim coach Grant Brebner broke his duck when his young side put in a convincing performance to beat Perth Glory 4-0.