The Bulldogs surged back into premiership contention with a surprise 28-4 win over Melbourne on Sunday. The win ended a tumultuous period for the Bulldogs, who slipped from minor premiership candidates to battling for a top-eight spot, winning two of their past eight games.

Perrett said the Dogs only had themselves to blame for their form slump. "I've always known that we've got that in us," Perrett said of his team's performance against the Storm. "Just being honest, all the losses we've had, we've handed over or given too many opportunities to the other team. I really think that's what it's about. Not taking any credit away from our opposition, they've been fantastic and they have had to make the most of those opportunities. There's been sides we've lost to because we've given them opportunities."

Led by a tenacious James Graham, the Bulldogs forward pack orchestrated the side's return to form. Their season is again on the line when they face a weakened Manly side on Saturday night. Manly's vulnerability in the middle of the field was exposed by South Sydney's power game and Perrett anticipates his big men to again target a Sea Eagles pack who will be without Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart and Jamie Buhrer. Manly hooker Matt Ballin will have a fitness test on Friday but is also unlikely to play.

"That will be a huge part of the game in the middle there," Perrett said. "There is no game that doesn't involve the dominance of the middle. It's usually a good indicator of how the game is going to go. We need that strength from the boys in the middle. It's a team game, so we're all going to share the load as much as we can. Our big boys have so much guts and endurance. They've got some skills. There was improvement [from the Titans loss]. Everyone needed to do a bit better. The forwards took it on themselves."

The Sea Eagles will have to cast aside memories of South Sydney racing to a 40-0 lead in their opening final. Perrett said teams can struggle to bounce back following a heavy loss. "It can be tough," he said. "Knowing from our last round loss, it was very disappointing, especially having the lead. You have to put it in the past and focus on the good stuff you've done and focus on what you can do better. You don't want to dwell on the loss too much. We know over the past couple of seasons what Manly is capable of. We've had some shockers this year. I don't think Manly played too badly at all [on Friday night]. We're not going to underestimate them."

The Bulldogs beat Manly 23-16 when the two sides last met in round 17, four rounds after Manly beat them 32-10 at Brookvale Oval.