3 minute read

Fremantle are aiming to make up for last week's shock 36-point loss to Gold Coast when they face Collingwood at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Fremantle's composure in the wet comes under the microscope on Sunday as the Dockers attempt to prove they're no shrinking violets in the rain.

The Dockers' hot start to the AFL season hit a hurdle last week when they suffered a shock 36-point loss to Gold Coast.

Fremantle won the inside 50m count a whopping 65-36, but their lack of skill going forward cost them dearly.

Whether Fremantle's game plan holds up under wet-weather footy remains a major question and the weather gods are likely to give them a chance to prove the doubters wrong in Sunday's clash with Collingwood at Optus Stadium.

Up to 15mm of rain has been forecast for Perth on Sunday and Dockers coach Justin Longmuir is confident only slight tweaks need to be made for his team to thrive in the wet.

"It has to be recognised we did a bit right last week," Longmuir said.

"We had (29 more) inside 50s, played the game in our front half for plus 20-something minutes. A lot of what we did was ok.

"We spoke about the missed opportunities to bring our teammates into the game. The big one was the composure with the ball in hand.

"The more you rush in wet conditions the more errors can be brought into your disposal and execution.

"We've spoken about hanging onto the ball a little bit longer like you would in the dry and being a little bit more creative to make more of those inside 50s."

Fremantle have been boosted by the returns of Michael Walters (protocols), Matt Taberner (hamstring) and Sam Switkowski (concussion).

Collingwood welcome back skipper Scott Pendlebury, Jamie Elliott, Mason Cox, Jack Ginnivan and Nathan Murphy.

The Magpies (4-5) enter the match off the back of losses to Richmond and the Western Bulldogs, but Longmuir isn't taking them lightly.

"They're a dangerous team," he said.

"They get a lot of speed off the contest. I'm really impressed with their ball movement, especially out of their back half.

"They look to get their handball going and run and carry which is really dangerous, and they bring really good pressure all over the ground especially in their front half."