THE DEMONS are preparing themselves for a bruising encounter with Fremantle this week, after the Dockers came under fire for their tough tactics against Geelong on Saturday.

Young midfielder Clint Bartram said his side is expecting the Dockers to be just as physical when the two clubs meet at Subiaco on Sunday, and are looking forward to the challenge of facing them on their home turf.

"They're renowned for that. They try it week in, week out, and it's just a matter of us weathering that storm," Bartram said on Monday.

"They're obviously going to be without a couple of their tougher players for this week, so it's a good chance for us to stand up and show what we're made of."

The Demons have a disastrous recent record at Subiaco, having won just four matches from a possible 14 there since 2000.

Bartram said the disappointing results at the Perth venue will not be on the players' minds this week, and they'll instead enter the match with a "mental edge" having beaten the Dockers in round seven this year.

"It's a good opportunity to get away, more than anything as well," he said.

"Leaving Melbourne, it's such a football-orientated state and you're under the microscope.

"Going over to Perth where there's no pressure, we're over there for a couple of extra days beforehand, just getting ready.

"So it's going to be exciting. I personally love playing on the big ground, and I think all the boys are just looking forward to getting away and playing footy again."