Michael Barlow admits Fremantle is forming a healthy rivalry with Geelong, a team that has been the AFL’s benchmark since 2007.

The two sides face off in a qualifying final at Simonds Stadium on Saturday – the third final in four years between the clubs.

They have also played memorable home and away season fixtures, including Freo’s heart stopping upsets of the Cats as defending premiers in the early rounds of 2010 and 2012.

Barlow, a Geelong fan growing up, said he enjoyed competing against every AFL side, but there was something about playing a club that has won three flags since 2007.
“They’ve been the team of the past decade and a lot of those blokes are still around,” he said.

“You know what you’re going to get from them, they’re a class outfit and a really good challenge.

“You want to test yourself against the best and I think that’s why the game lifts that extra notch when we play them.”

The two teams had contrasting lead-up games ahead of Saturday’s final.

Freo rested most of its stars in the final round of the season, while Geelong selected a full strength line-up that defeated Brisbane by a point.

Barlow said what impact, if any, it would have on the game wouldn’t be clear until game day, but he backed Freo’s conditioning staff to have made the right call.

“The sports science and medical staff and the coaches analysed it and made a strong decision that it was the best thing,” he said.

“We have 100 per cent faith in the sports science staff and medicos at the club that it was the best decision.

“I think it will be a huge benefit, but ultimately, we’re going to find that out on game day.”

The ball-winning midfielder was one of just a few regular players to line up for Freo in the round 23 loss to St Kilda.

Barlow said that, once the final siren had sounded in the Saints’ game, the anticipation of finals football set in.

“Ross (Lyon) made that pretty clear, he got us all together and identified the challenge we’ve got next week and the opportunity that will open up for whoever gets the chance to play next week,” he said.

Lyon’s side ambushed Geelong with a stirring elimination final upset at the MCG last year.

Barlow said Freo’s top four status in 2013 had changed the dynamic leading up to the match.

“Externally, there wasn’t much hype around us going into the 2012 game, it was more that we were just making up the numbers,” he said.

“This year, I think it’s self evident, being a top four side in a qualifying final, that it’s line ball.

“It’s an exciting prospect to be involved in and the build up is going to be amazing."