What's the best way to topple North Melbourne? Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has turned to the Roos for answers - Paul Roos that is.
The Dockers' AFL finals hopes hang by a thread following their 0-3 season start, with injuries to key trio Aaron Sandilands, Harley Bennell and David Mundy further hampering their cause.
Lyon and Roos formed a tight bond during their time together at Sydney and the pair stay in regular contact.
Roos almost guided his Melbourne Demons to a shock victory over North Melbourne last week, with the Kangaroos holding on at the death to post a five-point win in Hobart.
Lyon confirmed he had been in touch with Roos earlier this week.
And after getting through the usual pleasantries, the subject of North Melbourne became a topic of discussion ahead of Fremantle's clash with them at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
"Paul's a friend of mine and we've spoken about that game (last week) and how the teams structured up and the slight differences," Lyon said on Friday.
"He said, 'Mate, I'm an AFL coach, so I'll give you a little bit but you can catch and kill your own'."
No team has ever reached the finals from 0-4, making Sunday's contest more critical for the winless Dockers.
Champion forward Matthew Pavlich is adamant they can still reach the play-offs despite the horror start.
But Lyon said Fremantle's precarious position wasn't something dominating his thoughts.
"You can sit around worrying about wins or losses or making finals and all that," he said.
"But you know what? There's 19 games to go and we're here to improve our football. If we do that, that will give us our best chance. That's how I live.
"It's not about blame. If you're in this business long enough, you're going to have some losses and challenges.
"We're pretty keen to work through together and improve."
Lyon resisted the urge to select two recognised ruckmen to combat Todd Goldstein.
Jon Griffin is a straight swap for Sandilands, while forward Matt Taberner and Hayden Crozier were also brought into the squad.
Mat de Boer and Tendai Mzungu were omitted, while Sandilands is expected to miss at least six weeks after being injured in last week's marking contest with Nic Naitanui.
Fringe ruckman Jack Hannath has been named as an emergency, giving Lyon the option of bringing him in if he has a change of heart.
North Melbourne made just one change, recalling Mason Wood following his three-goal and 36-disposal VFL performance.
Taylor Garner goes out of the side after injuring his hamstring.
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