West Coast's Jack Redden has never lost a western derby but knows the team's midfield group need to toughen up if that streak is to continue.
The Eagles' on-ball division was soundly beaten in the contest during last week's 40-point thumping at the hands of North Melbourne.
Coach Adam Simpson was scathing after the game and has urged his players to lift on Sunday against Fremantle.
The Dockers are also aiming to rebound after their midfield group were outgunned in the centre bounces during Sunday's 59-point walloping from Hawthorn.
Redden has played in four derbies since crossing to West Coast at the end of 2015, all of them wins.
It's in stark contrast to his time at the Lions where he tasted victory over Fremantle first up before losing seven straight.
The Dockers are still missing ruckman Aaron Sandilands and skipper Nat Fyfe, giving West Coast an excellent chance to win the vital midfield contest.
The return of Luke Shuey from personal leave will also boost West Coast's chances.
Redden said the club's midfield group were determined to make amends for last week's poor showing.
"We got a bit of a touch up around the contest. So us mids take responsibility for that," he said.
"I just think North Melbourne were tougher than us. They had some good contested ball players and I don't think we matched them inside.
"The Dockers are in a similar boat to us from the game on the weekend. Their centre bounces were quite poor as well.
"They've got a young team and they're going to have a lot of energy and want to bounce back."
West Coast sit a game clear in second spot, but need to beat the Dockers to keep the wolves at bay.
Fremantle could be boosted by the return of key forward Matt Taberner, who booted three goals in the WAFL last week in his return from a broken foot.
But Harley Bennell has been ruled out following another calf flare-up.
Defender Lewis Jetta (calf) is expected to join Shuey in West Coast's side, but forward Josh Kennedy will miss another week with a shin injury.
West Coast have won the past six western derbies, their last loss coming in 2015.
