FREMANTLE midfielder Nathan Fyfe says his side does not want to take the opportunity of a home preliminary final for granted.
The Dockers have only once previously played off for a place in the Grand Final, in 2006, and have never hosted a preliminary final.
Fyfe has played in three finals series in four seasons at Fremantle, and three winning finals out of five, but knows his older teammates haven't been so fortunate.
"I've been really lucky," Fyfe said.
"I was talking with Luke McPharlin earlier in the week and he's been through some really tough days at the club.
"So I definitely don't take it for granted but I'm really excited at the opportunity that we've given ourselves."
Of the side that played in the 2006 preliminary final against the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium, only six players remain - McPharlin, Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands, Michael Johnson, David Mundy and Ryan Crowley.
The Dockers trailed at every change that night and were eventually beaten by 35 points.
"We just spoke briefly about the last prelim that he (McPharlin) played in and how it was an away game and how it was a tough experience but an exciting one to be involved in," Fyfe said.
"He said that he can't wait to get out there again and I'm the same."
Six days shy of his 22nd birthday, Fyfe said there was a strong desire to perform well for those senior players as well as Fremantle's success-starved supporters.
"I think everyone's got motivations for different reasons but for those guys and our members and supporters who haven't had the success over the club's existence, there is extra motivation for them," Fyfe said.
"I know internally that we're really hungry and we're really focused.
"Our focus is really strong and we're desperate for success and really keen to perform and that really starts next week in the prelim."
The Dockers have enjoyed a lighter week on the training track and will train Saturday despite not having to play.
Fyfe believes that even though the majority of the group did not play in round 23, another rest will be advantageous for the Dockers.
"I was one of the guys who had a rest (in round 23) and I found it really helped me going into the game on the weekend," Fyfe said.
"I just felt a little bit fresher and I can't see how another rest is going to impede us in any way."
The rest will also give injured duo Michael Johnson and Garrick Ibbotson every chance to get themselves right for the following week.
"I think they're going quite well," Fyfe said.
"We've still got nine days until we play so they will be training and they will be put through their paces over the weekend and going into next week so they've still got plenty of time."
