Wary of the humid conditions, the Bulldogs have been planning for this match for weeks, sending the players off-site in a bid to adapt to the unfamiliar temperatures.
"The last month we've had them at Victoria University in the heat chamber," coach Brendan McCartney said on Wednesday.
"Not overdoing it, but just getting used to sweating a bit more. It does cool off there once the game starts but you do sweat a lot more, that's the difference."
The Bulldogs boast strong form at TIO Stadium, winning their past four games in the top end.
Last year they overcame the Suns in Darwin by 38 points, but they have also beaten Port Adelaide on the past three occasions they've met at the ground.
In fact, the Bulldogs have the psychological edge over the Power, having notched six consecutive wins, but McCartney insists history means nothing this weekend.
"They're (Port Adelaide's) different though. Different coach, clearly different way of playing, real ability to open you up if you aren't ready and their first five weeks wasn't a fluke. They played some terrific footy."
Daniel Cross remains a chance to return to the seniors, after he was a surprise omission for the clash with St Kilda.
He was named in the best in Williamstown's emphatic win over Bendigo Gold in the VFL, and McCartney insists Cross has taken his axing in his stride.
"He handled it well like he always has," McCartney said.
"Crossy has worked incredibly hard at his game for a long time. He went back and played very well. He may come back in this week, may not. It depends on the make up of the team.
"We may not have many changes at all. He handled it as well as could be expected. I'm sure the disappointment that he felt was far greater than what he conveyed."
Mitch Wallis is another player in the mix for selection, after working hard in the VFL over the past fortnight, although McCartney refused to divulge just what the youngster needs to do to earn his spot back.
"Mitch lost his place in the team for a couple of reasons, and is a very good young person who works incredibly hard at his game.
"He's going to be a terrific player for us long term. The two weeks he's gone back he's worked really well at what we wanted him to get better at."
Jarrad Grant was another who performed well for Williamstown, kicking four goals.
"He played well. It was probably a little bit of mixed messaging where he was for a couple of weeks. We have an arrangement with our alignment club where only a certain amount can play," said McCartney.
"He missed quite a few games with injuries and soreness through the first part of the year so he's just now getting some consistency of training and I'm sure he'll build some pretty good form."
Adam Cooney remains one week away, with a minor bleed on his hamstring.
"He'll play after the break," McCartney said.
"He had a two week hamstring. The break will come at a good time."
Jacqui Reed is a reporter at AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @JacquiReedAFL
