IT MIGHT be a new era at Fremantle, but Saturday's pre-season clash against archrivals West Coast is the perfect opportunity for the Dockers to start reclaiming their old identity, defender Lee Spurr says.
The Dockers have undergone an on and off-field makeover following last year's disastrous four-win campaign, moving into a brand new state-of-the-art training facility, rejuvenating the playing squad and selecting Nat Fyfe as skipper.
Although it could be a different-looking Fremantle side in action against the Eagles in Geraldton this weekend, Spurr declared it was the ideal chance for the Dockers to deliver the effort and desire typical of the Ross Lyon era.
"One of our mottos when we're at our best is 'anytime, anywhere'," Spurr said.
"We just show up and bring our effort and our trademark. That's what we want to get back to.
"We didn't shift away from it (last year), but we weren't able to deliver it as effectively and consistently as we would've liked.
"That's the beauty of a new year … you get another chance and we're really excited about that."
The Eagles are set to take a near full-strength up into the pre-season Western Derby, and the Dockers have a healthy list to choose from.
Fyfe could make his long-awaited return after breaking his leg in round five last season, while recruits Bradley Hill, Cam McCarthy, Shane Kersten and Joel Hamling might debut in purple.
"We've got a new facility and some new players through the door, and some really exciting talent, so there's certainly a buzz around (the group)," Spurr said.
Ruckman Aaron Sandilands (calf), Harley Bennell (calf) and Alex Pearce (broken leg) weren't sighted on the track at Cockburn Central, while rookie Matthew Uebergang ran laps during Freo's first main training session at their new headquarters.
The Dockers' facility boasts a main oval with movable goalposts to replicate any AFL ground in Australia, hydrotherapy and aquatic areas, an indoor running track, altitude chamber and significantly bigger gym compared to Fremantle Oval.
Spurr said there were no excuses for Fremantle's players not to get the best out of themselves after moving into the cutting-edge training base.
"We've got expectations on ourselves and we're aiming to finish high and we're aiming to play finals, but we understand that we've got a young list that's transitioning," he said.
"A lot of the players are still learning their craft and this facility is going to give us the best chance to fast-track those young players and to get the most out of them."
