Fremantle will aim to play their strongest available players for their final JLT Community Series game against Carlton on Friday at Domain Stadium, according to assistant coach Anthony Rock.

The Friday night clash will be Fremantle’s last hit-out before opening their home and away season against Geelong on 26 March at Domain Stadium.

“We’ll put in a strong side as possible,” Rock said.

“We’ll wait until training is over today, go through the match committee process and put in a strong side to prepare for round one.’’

After a disappointing pre-season opener against West Coast, Fremantle showed improvement across the board in their second JLT Series game against Collingwood last Saturday at Rushton Park, with Rock saying it was important to pick a side that can continue that momentum.

“We were really happy with the players we put out there last week,” Rock said.

“They gave great effort and that was reflected in the result. 

“We were certainly pleased with the response (after) Ross indicated that our effort wasn’t strong (against West Coast).

“We’re an effort based club and organisation, whether that be the players coaches or staff, so we were disappointed with that, and we responded really well during the week.

“To the players’ credit they were up and about, and wanted to rectify the result from the week before, regardless of it being a practice match, intraclub or league game.”

Rock said the club was pleased with the performances of multiple players, including the experienced Michael Johnson, who will strengthen and guide Fremantle’s defence after missing the bulk of the 2016 season.

“He’s building, he’s missed a lot of football and we're really pleased that he’s come back into the side,” Rock said.

“He’ll get better as time goes on. Once again he missed a lot of football so to have him back out there and directing traffic down back is pleasing for us.”

Lachie Neale, who had knee, wrist and shoulder surgery in the off-season, was another player showing promise on the road to round one.

“Lachie’s had a pre-season where he’s had multiple surgeries, and for him to get a game last week is really pleasing,” Rock said.

“We’ve got some options to go through (in the midfield), so it’s going to be really tight and competitive as long as everyone stays healthy.”