But ahead of Saturday's re-match between the pair, Eagles captain Darren Glass is confident Mackenzie won't be so easily beaten this time around.
Glass was absent in round 19 last year when Pavlich booted eight goals from 24 possessions to lead Fremantle to a 65-point victory.
Mackenzie spent most of that match opposed to Pavlich, while fringe defender Mitch Brown was also given a go as the Eagles desperately searched for ways to stop the Fremantle spearhead.
Glass said it wasn't unusual for key defenders to have big bags of goals kicked on them every now and then, and backed Mackenzie to turn the tables this time around.
"When you play on good players week in, week out, that record isn't going to stay good forever," Glass said.
"Some weeks you get beaten, some weeks you win.
"That's just the way it works out as a key defender. But I'm very comfortable with Eric on Pav.
"Pav's obviously a critical player. It will be a big focus for us to shut him down."
Pavlich underwent surgery on his hip, back and achilles tendon over summer, and will enter the derby short of match practice after featuring in just one pre-season fixture.
The Eagles are favourites to win despite missing ruckman Nic Naitanui (groin), midfielder Daniel Kerr (knee), former Pie Sharrod Wellingham (ankle), forward Mark Nicoski (hamstring) and wingman Matt Rosa (thigh).
Fremantle will be close to full strength, with ruckman Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) being the only notable omission.
Nicoski missed all of last year after undergoing hamstring surgery, and has again been placed on West Coast's long-term injury list after a slower-than-expected recovery.
Glass remains hopeful the 29-year-old can overcome his injury troubles in time to play a key role this year.
"He's had a terrible run of luck, but he remains positive and still a good opportunity to play lots of good footy this year," Glass said.
