FREMANTLE will get back to basics and demand a sharp lift in effort against Collingwood after kicking off the JLT Community Series with a "disappointing" loss to West Coast, assistant coach Mark Stone says. 

The Dockers took their strongest available side to Geraldton, but were flat early against the red-hot Eagles and went down by 55 points in a one-sided pre-season Western Derby.

Freo has loaded up for the Magpies clash, with star ruckman Aaron Sandilands and reigning club champion Lachie Neale set to return from injury, and Stone expects to see more intensity in Mandurah.

"(Last week) was a little bit disappointing. I think Ross (Lyon) was quite open with that after the game," Stone said.

"But what it shows in AFL footy, they get to this point and they're physically prepared really, really well.

"But you've only got to be five per cent off mentally and it doesn't come to life.

"We've talked about our mental preparation and I'm sure they boys will be much better prepared when they get out on the track on Saturday against Collingwood." 

Sandilands' return from a calf strain is a boost for the midfield, while ball-magnet Neale, who had knee, shoulder and wrist surgery in the off-season, should also help the Dockers get their hands on the ball.

Freo's engine room was overrun by the Eagles and lost the disposal count by a whopping 201 possessions. 

"We're just pleased to have them back in the side and to be able to get some minutes into them," Stone said.

"(Sandilands) was training really well (before his injury), it was just a little hiccup.

"They were cautious with it, they took time to get it right and now he's really itching to get out there and play. 

"Lachie's fitness levels are fine, but it's just now getting that match hardness."

Developing onballer Tommy Sheridan and key forward Matt Taberner have been cut from Freo's 29-man squad after quiet matches in Geraldton.

The Dockers are still tinkering with their best tall forward setup, with recruits Cam McCarthy and Shane Kersten set to play alongside Michael Apeness against the Pies. 

"We'd like to get some more time into Kersten and McCarthy and see how they blend into the team and build some chemistry, so Matt's the one who has been omitted," Stone said. 

"We'd like (that chemistry) to be great in round one, but the reality is it's going to take a little bit of time. 

"How long? We don't really know. But we can't waste sessions – we're aware of that and the players are aware of it." 

With Sandilands and Neale back, Freo's injury list is dwindling.

Zac Clarke (knee) and Alex Pearce (fractured leg) won't be seen before mid-season, but Stone said Harley Bennell (calf) is on track for a long-awaited Dockers debut around rounds four-to-six.

"Human nature would suggest that it's challenging (being in rehab so long) and that's why we judge him on how he's approached it," Stone said. 

"His attitude has been terrific, first-class and we can't fault him there."