Fremantle Dockers defensive coach Michael Prior said full pre-seasons for Zac Dawson, Alex Silvagni and Michael Johnson has been greatly beneficial for the Freo defence.
“It’s the first full pre-season in a couple of years for all three of them,” Prior said.
“It puts pressure on spots in the team but also gives them a chance to work together.
“There’s new things we’re trying so it’s important to have them together and it’s been a real positive for us.”
Freo’s key defenders could face a flexible Western Bulldogs forward line in round one, with power forward Tom Boyd, strong mid-sized Jake Stringer, and the potential return of goal kicking dead-eye Tory Dickson.
While the Bulldogs possess a variety of different players up forward, Prior said the Freo defenders would be well equipped for the challenge.
“Whether it’s talls or smalls, I think we have the players to handle it,” he said.
“We’ve got a pretty versatile backline, so no matter who’s down there we’ll mix and match with who we play on.”
Bulldog forward Tory Dickson kicked 50 goals in 2015, and with memories of his impact against Freo still fresh in the mind, Prior said stopping Dickson would be a key aspect of the game.
“He kicked seven against us last time,” he said.
“So he’s going to be a real key player for them if he plays.”
