The Fremantle Dockers pre-season emphasis of flexibility and unpredictability was reiterated by Michael Barlow, who spoke to media after the team photo shoot on Monday.

“Ross (Lyon) has made no secrets, we’re trying new things and trying to be a bit more unpredictable,” Barlow said.

“Unpredictable” for Freo has meant trialling players at different positions throughout pre-season, but Barlow had the utmost confidence in his teammates and the club in ensuring its success.

“It’s taken a little bit for the players to adjust, but we’re seasoned and conditioned to understand pretty quickly,” he said.

“We’ve had Fyfe up forward, a bit of Dave (Mundy) off halfback, Ballantyne and Walters up around the ball a bit more.

“The more players we can get in there, the more we give the opposition something to look at.”

Training report: Monday 15 February

Following Nat Fyfe’s impressive display up forward during Friday’s match simulation, Barlow said the midfield would remain very capable even if the Brownlow Medallist were to spend more time closer to goal.

“I have full faith in our midfield,” he said.

“We have eight to ten players that we think can go through there at a really high level.”

While Barlow said he would welcome more time in the midfield, he had the confidence that coach Ross Lyon would make the best decision as to where he lined up.

“Ross knows what’s best for my football and the teams football,” he said.

“Naturally I’m a midfielder but I think I've played some high-end football at that half forward role too."