SHOUTING at umpires generally doesn't achieve very much in footy, but it may be a tactic Fremantle is willing to employ during its round one clash with the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

Freo have become increasingly worried about the methods used by opposition clubs to curb the influence of 211cm ruckman Aaron Sandilands, who averaged a whopping 29 hit-outs per game last season.

Last week, coach Mark Harvey accused Carlton of spoiling tactics at the stoppages during a NAB Challenge game in Bunbury, claiming the Blues' ruckmen deliberately held down Sandilands in ruck contests so a third man could come over the top and win the tap.

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich said his side would do everything possible to ensure Sandilands gets a fair go this season, even suggesting the midfielders may have to alert the umpires to any questionable tactics from opposing clubs.

"We speak about stoppages every week and how best we are going to manipulate the situation for Aaron and the rest of our onballers," Pavlich said on Monday.

"It's our job to help protect Aaron, he's a huge asset for us and there's no question that opposition teams going in to a game against Fremantle would be looking to stop his dominance.

"I think we can block but we can obviously be shouting at the umpires and making sure they are aware they are blocking his runs.

"I think that's certainly within the realms of possibility."

Pavlich declared swingman Luke McPharlin, who has missed the latter half of the pre-season with an achilles tendon problem, a certain starter against the Bulldogs.

But young forward Chris Mayne is set to miss the season opener due to an ongoing foot complaint, while Des Headland (achilles) could be anywhere from two weeks to a month away from resuming.

Pavlich was coy when asked whether Stephen Hill, selected with pick No.3 at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, should be given a round one debut after several dazzling displays during the pre-season.

"I won't make a categorical call on that but what I will say is that he has had a very good pre-season and he has got some special talent," Pavlich said.

"He has put in the hard work. What happens next is up to him and how he trains the next few days, and how he fits into the actual team come round one."

Star Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney and forward Robert Murphy are in doubt for Sunday's clash but Pavlich said he expected the pair to take their place.

"We will prepare for those two players and we are looking forward to the challenge of a top four side from last year," he said.