FREMANTLE will embark on a new era this Sunday with many fans, pundits and even coach Ross Lyon unsure exactly what to expect from the Dockers' new-look line-up.

But above anything else, midfielder Stephen Hill wants to see one thing: non-stop effort across four quarters against Geelong.

"I just expect the players to bring that 100 per cent effort," Hill told AFL.com.au. "That's what we're looking for."

After focusing on skill level and ball movement, the Dockers drifted away from their trademark intensity last year and endured a disastrous four-win campaign.

"We probably didn't hold it (effort) for four quarters," Hill said.

"It dropped in and out so we just want to keep that consistent throughout the whole year but (also) the four quarters of each game."

Following an off-season of change, Freo will unveil four recruits – Cam McCarthy, Bradley Hill, Shane Kersten and Joel Hamling – against the Cats.

New skipper Nat Fyfe will also make his long-awaited home-and-away return from a broken leg, renewing his stoppage combination with Aaron Sandilands and his rivalry with reigning Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield.

Fyfe's comeback should go a long way to nullifying Dangerfield and Joel Selwood's influence - critical to stopping the Cats last season - but Hill was wary of focusing too much on Geelong's midfield bulls.

"Obviously Selwood and Dangerfield are really dangerous players but there's other guys who we (have to respect)," he said.

"It's going to be a tough inside midfield battle, so we're going to have to be on our game."

Hill expects to be in the thick of the midfield contest at Domain Stadium after spending more time at the coalface in Fyfe's absence last season.

The 26-year-old boosted his contested possession (8.5), clearance (3.8) and tackle (3.9) numbers compared to 2015, and finished runner-up in the Doig Medal behind Lachie Neale.

It was his third-straight podium finish in the club champion award after successive third-placings in 2014 and '15.

"I'm comfortable there (as an inside midfielder). I played a lot there last year and through the JLT Series," Hill said.

"I did probably bulk up a bit more last year and maybe (added another) kilo over the summer, but not too much."

Hill might also play on the opposite wing to his brother Bradley in their first home-and-away game together since his 23-year-old sibling's trade from Hawthorn at the end of last season.

"It's good to have the little brother back and it's exciting playing the first game (together)," Hill said.

"He's really put his head down and trained hard over summer and earned the respect of the players and brought his run and skills.

"Hopefully we can really use him this year and he can help us out."