Best 22
B: Lee Spurr, Zac Dawson, Michael Johnson
HB: Paul Duffield, Luke McPharin, Danyle Pearce
C: Nat Fyfe, Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill
HF: Hayden Ballantyne, Zac Clarke, Matt de Boer
F: Michael Walters, Matthew Pavlich, Chris Mayne
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Ryan Crowley
I/C: Clancee Pearce, Tendai Mzungu, Nick Suban
Sub: Lachie Neale

Injury list
Veteran ruckman Aaron Sandilands has suffered setback with his hamstring injury, with the club uncertain when he will return. Anthony Morabito is back running after LARS surgery on his left knee but there is no timeline for his playing return. Captain Matthew Pavlich recovered from back, hip and Achilles tendon surgery in time for one NAB Cup match, but his preparation was not ideal.  

The big questions
-Can Zac Clarke, one of Fremantle's most important structural players, step up and prosper in his crucial dual role as a back-up ruckman and second key forward?

-How will the Derbies pan out? Fremantle opens the season against West Coast, for the first time since 2002, and the cross-town rivals meet again in round 16.

-Can Pavlich reproduce his outstanding form of 2012 after an interrupted pre-season? The skipper booted 69 goals last season but was a surprise omission from the All Australian team.  

Summer standout
Nick Suban has trimmed down and become one of Fremantle's lead runners this pre-season, putting himself in contention for a role off half-back, or even through the midfield. Suban played 14 games last season, but he was often used as the substitute and didn't cement himself in a regular position. The 22-year-old was constantly nominated by his teammates as 'best-on-track' this pre-season.

Fantasy cash cow
Jack Hannath ($102,700) was recruited as a ready-made tall who could immediately boost Fremantle's stocks both in the ruck and key positions. With Sandilands struggling with his hamstring injury, the 21-year-old's chances of early-season football have improved. Experienced against big-bodied opponents in the SANFL, he could be a reasonable scorer if given the chance.

Sudden impact
Danyle Pearce has stepped into his new club seamlessly with suggestions from the coaching group that he is the team's best kick. The former Port Adelaide midfielder should find a role across half-back or on a wing, where he could release some of the attention Stephen Hill is attracting from run-with players.

It's crunch time for…
… Kepler Bradley. He has played 39 games over the past three seasons and kicked 45.33, with a return of just six goals from 12 games last year. Fremantle needs a key forward to stand up alongside Pavlich, and indications are Clarke will be that player in 2013. Bradley was trialled as a tall defender against the Western Bulldogs in the NAB Cup as Fremantle explored its options.

Pivotal match
They don't get much bigger than a standalone western derby to open the season. Fremantle won its last clash against West Coast by 65 points but still enters Saturday's clash as underdog. A win would set the tone for a season of high expectations against a top-four rival.   

Fremantle will have a good year if…
… key clearance players David Mundy, Michael Barlow, Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands can play the majority of the season together. All have had their injury concerns in recent seasons, robbing Fremantle of consistency at stoppages. However, Mundy, Barlow and Fyfe are primed for the season opener and shape as a leading midfield combination.

AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish: Sixth