FREMANTLE set a benchmark by upsetting the Western Bulldogs, now the challenge is to bring that same pressure and intensity each week, Dockers defender Joel Hamling says.
After facing the blowtorch following their round two belting from Port Adelaide, the Dockers made six changes and looked a completely different side with their work rate and bold ball movement against the Dogs.
Hamling, who was one of Freo's best against his old side blanketing an in-form Travis Cloke, said the next step is to deliver another quality performance against an undermanned Melbourne at the MCG.
"For myself and for the team as well, we've set ourselves a standard now," Hamling said.
"It does add real confidence to the group, especially the young side we had on the weekend.
"We just changed a few things on the track. We got back to basics and focused on our pressure and our stuff around the ball.
"Our leaders really stood up and the young guys who came in really stood up as well."
Hamling took six marks and had 12 touches against the Dogs to provide Freo with some important rebound, and felt he was finding his feet in defence.
His close friend and former Cats forward Shane Kersten also showed some promising signs, booting two goals and taking a Mark of the Year contender after limited impact in the first two rounds.
"I wouldn't say (he had) a real rough two weeks. He had a few chances in the first game – obviously he was nervous with his new side," Hamling said.
"He had a few chances to have a good impact in that game and wasn't quite right. I think he played his role against Port Adelaide pretty well.
"I think he's just building form as well … and just jelling with Cam (McCarthy) as well."
The Dees will be without star ruckman Max Gawn, spearhead Jesse Hogan and Jordan Lewis (both suspended) this Saturday at the home of football.
Fremantle only played at the MCG once last season – losing to Collingwood by 48 points – but the Dockers won their previous three clashes at the venue.
Hamling, who returns to the scene of the Bulldogs' famous premiership triumph for the first time as a Docker, believed the recipe for success was toughness at the contest.
"I just think playing hard footy is the secret really," he said.
"I guess with the Bulldogs I got lucky with a few games there and won a Grand Final, but it's built on hard, contested football."
Meanwhile, Hamling backed "resilient" Harley Bennell to bounce back despite his latest calf setback, which will delay his return to football by about two months.
"It is (deflating) but every club has setbacks. You see Daniel Menzel (at Geelong) with four knees (reconstructions) so anything's possible," he said.
"Harley will be back in nine or 10 weeks, we're hoping for him to get back in that timeframe.
"The second half of the year he's going to be great for us."
