Connor Blakely feels Fremantle need to be wary of more than former teammate Lachie Neale in a highly anticipated clash against Brisbane this Sunday at Optus Stadium.

A two-time Doig Medallist, Neale will play his first game against his former club, with the Lions in good form after a thrilling one-point win against Adelaide.

Conversely, Fremantle are looking to rebound from a close loss to Essendon and Blakely is expecting a big midfield battle. 

“I don’t think (Fremantle only have to look out for Neale), they’re in really good form, they’re 6-3 at the moment,” Blakely said.

“Their midfield is going really well, not just Lachie but guys like Dayne Zorko and the others, it’s definitely going to be a holistic point of view, trying to shut down all of them.”

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Neale currently leads the AFL for disposals, with an average of 33.9 per game.

“Lachie’s in really good form, it’s been well documented that he’s going well,” Blakely said.

“He’s a great player, a dual Doig Medallist for us but it’s not only going to be him, it’s going to be the other guys we have to look out for.” 

A versatile defender/midfielder, Blakely played at half-back in his return from injury against the Bombers and said that there was a chance he could get some midfield minutes. 

“I slotted into the half back role on the weekend with the potential to go inside,” Blakely said.

“I didn’t go inside at all as the boys were playing well. Dave (Mundy), he’s in such great form and (Nat) Fyfe just keeps rolling on and leading really well and Sonny (Michael) Walters has been in there and performing. 

“I played half back and I thought I played my role relatively well, whether or not I go in the midfield, that’s another question. Wherever Ross (Lyon) wants to play me, I’ll try as best as I can.”

Round 10 in the AFL is the first of two weeks that celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Freo will wear their purple ‘home’ Indigenous jumper designed by Troy Cook for the game, which is proudly presented by Woodside.