Fremantle recruit Danyle Pearce knows what to expect in his first Freo game and Carlton Mid Derby at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old midfielder joined the club as a restricted free agent at the end of 2012 after 154 games for Port Adelaide that included a Rising Star award in 2006.

He is no stranger to crosstown rivalries, having played in a number of South Australian Showdowns against the Adelaide Crows.

Pearce said the build up to the Carlton Mid Derby was no different to a Showdown.

“It always divides the state and you can feel the rivalry all week,” he said.

The classy left footer admitted Showdowns always carried a little bit of extra spice and intensity.

“It didn’t matter where the teams were sitting on the ladder, whether you were high or low,” he said.

“The first five or 10 minutes were always very physical, very high standard, and had a finals-like atmosphere.

“I’m expecting no less this week. It’s going to be great to taste what the WA Derbies are like.”

Pearce had also seen enough of West Coast when he was at the Power to know what they were capable of, especially at Patersons Stadium, although he won’t be playing against the Eagles as a visitor this time around.

“It’s our home game, so it’s going to be great to experience a packed house of purple and hear the fans get behind the team,” he said.

Blessed with brilliant foot skills, Pearce has always been a player opposition coaches targeted for a tag.

Eagle Adam Selwood and, more recently, his brother Scott Selwood, have tagged him in the past, while he has also gone head-to-head with Chris Masten.

Pearce wasn’t sure if West Coast would tag him on Saturday night, given the number of quality midfielders Freo possessed.

“We’ve got players like ‘Hilly’ (Stephen Hill), ‘Fyfey’ (Nat Fyfe), Dave (Mundy) and Michael (Barlow), so it’s going to be interesting to see what happens,” he said.

“Hopefully, whoever is not getting close attention can get off the leash and be a big influence on the outcome.”

Whether he gets tagged or not, Pearce can’t wait to pull on the purple jumper for the first time and run out in front of his new fans.

”I’ve had months to look forward to it. It’s about time, so lets bring the game on and let’s play.”