A possible match-up for Matt de Boer on Friday night is star Collingwood on-baller Dayne Beams, a player who just "runs and runs" according to the Freo defensive midfielder.

 

Beams did not play until round 16 in 2013, but even upon his return he averaged almost 30 disposals a game in eight appearances.

 

The 24-year-old has been prolific for the Magpies in the pre-season and looms as one of many danger midfielders Freo will look to contain at Etihad Stadium.

De Boer, who has played on Beams in the past, could becalled upon to quell his impact, but the Freo hard nut knows it won't be easy if he gets the gig.

 

"He just knows his role in the team," de Boer said of Beams.

"He knows what he has to do to get up and contribute, and that's being workmanlike.

 

"He just runs and runs, and he does that week in, week out."

 

De Boer said the Freo players couldn't wait to run out on Friday night and put their work over the pre-season into action.

 

"We must take confidence from the actions and the preparation that we have done over the pre-season," he said.

 

"We've had a good block of training and practice matches. We've all bought in and there are just a few things we need to improve on."

 

De Boer also hoped the practice of visualisation techniques would benefit the team come Friday.

 

"It's something the players have really bought into over the past couple of years," he said.

 

"We'll visualise what the game will be like, being at Etihad Stadium with all the Collingwood supporters.

 

"If we can visualise all that, then when we get there, nothing will be a shock and we'll be ready to go."