Melbourne coach Mark Neeld expects a “serious game of combative footy” when it hosts Fremantle at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking on melbournefc.com.au, Neeld said Freo played a solid, disciplined brand of footy under Ross Lyon.

“Ross has got them all on the same page,” he said.

“Their game style is really good, and they’re a hard working side.

“We know we’re in for a really strong contest.”

Neeld said Melbourne’s challenge this week was to get a good start and maintain competitiveness for longer.

“We really need to put some scoreboard pressure on,” he said.

“On the weekend (against Richmond), we had the opportunities, but couldn’t nail it.”