The Bulldogs' midfield ran rampant last week in an upset 68-point mauling of the Lions, with Tom Liberatore, Ryan Griffen, Shaun Higgins, Daniel Cross, Mitch Wallis and Adam Cooney all starring.
But it was the performance of ruckman Will Minson that stood out most for Fremantle coach Ross Lyon.
Minson's 34 hit-outs and 18 possessions gave the Bulldogs a key edge in the midfield battle.
Lyon said it was crucial for Dockers duo Jon Griffin and Kepler Bradley to limit the influence of the 27-year-old.
"I always thought it was won and lost in the midfield. It gives you supply and protects your defence," Lyon said on Thursday.
"Will's a big, strong, competitive ruckman. He plays a real robust game.
"He can push forward and kick a goal and take contested marks.
"So we'll have to match that and spread offensively to give him something to worry about as well."
The Bulldogs flew under the radar during the pre-season, but Lyon is impressed with their squad and has done extensive analysis on them.
"We've gone to school on them. We've prepared like we would as if it was a Grand Final," he said.
Fremantle won seven of its 12 away games last season, and aims to get even better on the road this year.
"Good teams win interstate. We want to be a good team, so it doesn't leave us much wiggle room," Lyon said.
"We need to get over there with a strong focus, get the points, and come home.
"Our philosophy is anywhere, anytime, against anyone."
The Dockers replaced suspended forward Hayden Ballantyne with Hayden Crozier, while ruckman Zac Clarke couldn't be considered after suffering a cork in the WAFL last week.
Saturday's match will pit Bulldogs tagger Nick Lower up against his former Dockers teammates.
Lower was axed from Fremantle's senior list last year despite having a year to run on his contract, and jumped at the chance to join the Bulldogs.
The 25-year-old successfully negated Lions midfielder Daniel Rich last week, and is set to be assigned to one of Fremantle's prime movers.
"I think there's some good friendships there," Lyon said of Lower's link to Fremantle.
"But once the ball is bounced, friendships go out the window and we are trying to get the job done."
