Smothering pressure versus run and stun. Which one will prevail?
The answer to that question will become clearer on Saturday when the ultra-disciplined Dockers lock horns with the free-wheeling Power at Adelaide Oval.
Fremantle's unrelenting pressure proved too much to handle for the Power when the teams met in round 22 last year.
But although Port Adelaide lost that match by 74 points, they gained valuable lessons on what it takes to match it with the best.
The Power loom as genuine premiership contenders this season after winning six of their opening seven games, with their silky skills and gut-running ability making them hard to match.
Fremantle have stuttered to a 4-3 start, but their renowned pressure has been building in recent weeks.
The contrast in styles between the two sides makes for an intriguing battle, and Dockers midfielder Michael Barlow said it was crucial to curb Port Adelaide's on-ball brigade.
"They're a really run-and-gun, end-to-end, link-up team.," Barlow said.
"The best form of defence is offence.
"Jay Schulz leads the Coleman, Justin Westhoff on his day can kick 10, and Chad Wingard at ground level was an All-Australian last year.
"If we're at our defensive best, we can try to stop the influx of forward 50 entries for them and those weapons I just alluded to."
Dockers defender Zac Dawson (ankle) faces a race against time to be fit to tackle the Power, but Fremantle are hopeful Luke McPharlin (quad) and midfielder Stephen Hill (hamstring) will be available.
The Power are set to be bolstered by the returns of Hamish Hartlett and Alipate Carlile after the pair missed last week's win over GWS due to gastro.
Barlow admitted he was a tad rusty in the 19-point derby win over West Coast after missing the previous four weeks due to a knee injury.
But he knows he'll be better for the run, and says he's looking forward to the challenge of knocking off the second-placed Power on their home turf.
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