Fremantle will be hoping their defensive unit can rediscover form as they prepare to take on Melbourne in Darwin tomorrow night.

Melbourne’s much lauded attack is hitting its straps, with key forward Jesse Hogan leading the club for goals kicked with 34 for the season so far, and former number one draft pick Jack Watts pushing forward to stretch opposition defences.

Fremantle’s defence improved in the past month, conceding nine goals per game compared with the average of 13 for the season.

The Story against Melbourne

Fremantle assistant coach Michael Prior said the team is proud of its defensive record over the past couple of seasons, but needed to improve following the loss to Collingwood.

“This year hasn’t been going so flash for us, so a real challenge for us against a side who’s really become good offensively and defensively, so another challenge for us to stop the scoring.”

A large part of that will be decided in the midfield, where Jonathan Griffin will have the job on Melbourne’s in form ruck-man, Max Gawn.

Standing at 208cm, Gawn is an imposing figure, leading the AFL in hit-outs, with more than 41 per game.

Prior said Griffin had worked hard to fill the void left by the injured Aaron Sandilands, and would step up to the challenge.

“He really responds to challenges so we’re expecting him to put his best foot forward, but big Max is in some pretty good form, so it’s going to be a tough job for him, one we’re confident he can do.”

Darwin’s climate will offer a challenge of a different kind, with warmer conditions and humidity set to factor in both teams’ approach to the game.

Prior said the team would have to adjust to the changes, but that once the game is under way, the weather wouldn’t be a factor.

He said the players were happy to be away from the chilly Perth winter, and would welcome the warm change.

“I’m sure they’ll enjoy getting out here today, in the warmer weather, and then tomorrow night playing in some warmer conditions. They’ll enjoy it.”

Fremantle take on Melbourne at TIO Stadium tomorrow night, with bounce-down at 7.10pm Darwin time.