The Dockers make the trip to Metricon Stadium on Saturday night just as they did in round six last year when they scraped home by seven points after trailing at the 22-minute mark of the last quarter.
"Gold Coast are a very good side," Fremantle defender Lee Spurr said.
"They're an improving young list with another pre-season under their belt.
"They're going to be a tough challenge down there. We're under no illusions about that."
The Dockers, already without the services of Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands, and Kepler Bradley, could well lose Nathan Fyfe if they are unsuccessful in contesting his two-match ban for kicking at the Tribunal on Tuesday night.
"Fyfey is a very good player," Spurr said.
"Very important player but no one player makes the team. We believe we can stand up when you've got a structure that can stand up under pressure."
The 25-year-old Spurr, originally from Queensland, made his debut in last year's corresponding fixture.
The mature-age recruit is now in his second year, having been rookie drafted after playing in three premierships with powerhouse SANFL club Central District in Adelaide.
After years in the state leagues the AFL has been a big step up for Spurr.
"AFL is really intense, and I'm really enjoying it," he said.
"Every game you get a bit more experience and you feel a bit more comfortable."
Spurr played 13 matches in his first year and has played every game so far in 2013.
He feels his experiences before joining Fremantle have helped.
"I think being a mature age player does help you. It sits you in good stead physically," he said.
"You're a bit stronger and a bit more used to the wear and tear of AFL.
"But in saying that a lot of the young guys coming in and pushing for spots means there's a lot of competition at our club."
Spurr said the Dockers had not been nervous in the closing stages of last Friday night's nailbiting win over Richmond, but he admitted it was a hectic finish.
"The last couple of minutes was frantic. I wasn't exactly sure how long was left.
"I think we just wanted to get the footy, and control it, and slow it down. We're all well drilled and know what to do.
"It's just a matter of implementing under the intense heat of the game."
