Fremantle will have a week off following the Bulldogs game before facing West Coast in the Carlton Mid Derby in the season opener.
“Its really important from our end to ensure we get some good players back playing in the positions they need to, and get the minutes into them we require,” Bond said.
The Freo general manager of football said the return of Matthew Pavlich was another positive, although the club would have liked to have him play earlier in the NAB Cup.
“That hasn’t happened, but everyone knows the way Matthew goes about it,” Bond said.
“He’s a true professional. He’ll play that certain amount of minutes he needs to get through.
“It’s important for him to play games before round 1 and we’re really excited to have him back.”
Saturday’s game will be played at Bendigo Bank Stadium, home of Freo’s new WAFL partnering side, Peel Thunder.
Bond said the Freo players were excited at the prospect of playing in Mandurah.
“We think it’s a great opportunity for our players and also for the Peel region as well,” he said.
“We know the conditions down there are excellent, so we’re looking forward to it.
“It’s going to be a really good game.”
