SATURDAY night's mouth-watering clash between the Swans and Dockers will pit two of the AFL's elite midfields head to head. 

Swans ruckman Mike Pyke knows just how important it will be for him to get first hands on the footy this weekend, and equally just how hard that will be to achieve against Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands.

Sandilands, a four-time All Australian, dominated West Coast in the Western Derby last week, and his supply to players such as Nat Fyfe, Lachie Neale and David Mundy is vital to coach Ross Lyon's game plan.

Match preview: Dockers v Swans

The 211-centimetre veteran might look like an impossible man to stop, but for Pyke, he's the ultimate challenge.

"I think it's every ruckman's favourite job, getting Aaron Sandilands - it's something you take on, and try and give your mids some chance of winning first possession," Pyke told AFL.com.au.

"I think the hit-outs are very important - if your midfielders know where the ball is going. it gives them at least a 50/50 chance of winning it," Pyke said.

"I think it's an important part of the game. I know some people probably don't, but as a ruckman I think it's something that we hold very true to our hearts." 

A fully fit Kurt Tippett has given John Longmire the option of an extra power forward this year, after knee troubles kept the former Crow anchored inside 50 for most of his first two seasons in Sydney.

While Pyke has enjoyed the helping hand that Tippett has provided this year, he knows his tall teammate will only become more valuable to the Swans as the season progresses. 

"He's been a massive addition - he's a massive body and a very competitive guy. Kurt's been doing really well this year and I think he'll continue to grow and get better as the year goes on," Pyke said. 

Pyke and Tippett's battle with Sandilands and Zac Clarke will be pivotal, with the Freo pair posing contrasting problems for the Swans.

"Zac Clarke is obviously a very springy guy and takes a good mark around the ground, which is the complete opposite to Aaron Sandilands. It's a difficult proposition but it's something we're looking forward to," Pyke said.

"Fremantle are a very good outfit, and they've been good for a very long time. Ross Lyon has them very well drilled - it's a team we looking forward to playing, because you get to challenge yourself against the best."