FORMER Hawk Matt Suckling believes the Western Bulldogs can learn similar lessons to those of Hawthorn last year, when the reigning premiers bounced back from a loss in Perth.

Suckling was part of the Hawthorn side that lost to West Coast in the 2015 qualifying final at Domain Stadium, but responded to beat Fremantle in an away preliminary final on their way to a third successive flag.

After losing to the Dockers in round 23, the Bulldogs will travel to Perth in nine days time for an unenviable elimination against an in-form Eagles outfit.

The Dogs haven't won at Domain Stadium since 2009.

"The Hawks lost a final over (in Perth last year) and we learnt some lessons, and hopefully we can learn a few from the weekend," Suckling said on Tuesday.

"It's a good thing that we get to go back to the same place and maybe try a few different things.

"I think just getting out and about and not sitting around the hotel might help."

Suckling hasn't noticed much of a difference between the way the Dogs and Hawks prepare for September, but he believes his new teammates will be better for the experience of playing in last year's seven-point elimination final loss to Adelaide.

"The boys had a taste of finals last year and I'm sure they'll draw on that," he said.

"It's a big thing winning your first final, playing finals and knowing how to handle it.

"Everything resets now and we're excited for a big campaign."

Recruited from Hawthorn for his playmaking skills and damaging left foot, Suckling has battled injuries and form at times in his first season at Whitten Oval.

While he conceded he would need to continue managing an Achilles injury that has seen him miss three of the past five games, Suckling is giving himself a pass mark for a season in which he has averaged 20 disposals across 15 matches.

"It's been a little bit frustrating of late, but I thought I started the year pretty well," he said.

"I had a little bit of time off, then a little bit of inconsistency and then some good games, but not too bad."