Rising AFL star Lachie Neale says Fremantle's midfield group needs to lift to ensure defender Joel Hamling doesn't cop another western derby flogging.
Hamling was powerless to stop Josh Kennedy in round six, with the West Coast forward booting six goals on the way to winning the Ross Glendinning medal as best afield.
Kennedy also starred during the pre-season clash with Fremantle, kicking five goals in that match.
Hamling has been a strong contributor this season in defence, and will be keen to get the wood over Kennedy in Sunday's western derby.
Neale said it was important for Fremantle's midfield group to give Hamling a helping hand against the two-time Coleman medallist.
"(We) mids haven't applied that pressure, and left him one-out with probably the best forward in the competition, along with Buddy (Lance Franklin)," Neale said.
"We need to help him out - and the backs as well get some roll-off and support because (Kennedy) is a dangerous player."
Kennedy has missed the past five matches with an achilles/calf injury, but is on track to return against the Dockers.
Hamling is also expected to play despite battling a hip injury in last week's win over North Melbourne.
Tom Sheridan will miss three weeks with a hamstring injury.
Fremantle will be boosted by the return of David Mundy (illness), while Lee Spurr (calf) is a chance to return.
And Harley Bennell will play about 60 minutes on Saturday for WAFL side Peel Thunder in his long-awaited return from twin calf injuries.
Bennell, after leaving Gold Coast at the end of 2015, is yet to play a senior game for the Dockers.
But if he can string together several games for Peel over coming weeks, he is in line to make his Dockers debut at the tail end of the AFL season.
"He's really excited. He's moving really well," Neale said.
"I know all he's focusing on is building his form in the WAFL over the next few weeks and he might get an opportunity later in the year.
"For him, it's just about playing footy and he'll be stoked with that."
West Coast defender Eric Mackenzie will miss up to three weeks with a hamstring injury.
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