FREMANTLE captain Matthew Pavlich has warned supporters not to expect a totally polished performance in Sunday's clash with the Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval.
Pavlich believes it will take time for the new-look side to click, given the retirement of a host of experienced players after last year's disappointing 6-16 campaign.
Fremantle topped up its list with 14 new players via the NAB AFL main and rookie drafts.
Pavlich said that a win against the Bulldogs would be desperately sought but it wasn't the be-all and end-all.
"It's all about momentum and gaining it at different stages of the year," he said.
"We'd love to get off to a great start, as every team would. There's no question about that.
"But we're realistic that it might take a little bit of time to get our game plan exactly right.
"Hopefully it happens this week and for the entire 22 rounds.
"But we're not going to kid ourselves, it may take a little bit of time."
Pavlich said that his teammates had spent four or five months working on the game plan and even though there were some early teething problems, fluency was found.
"We got a little bit of grip on it from the last couple of [pre-season] games," he said.
"We are confident we've done enough preparations that we can be in a good position to showcase our talents."
Pavlich kicked 67 goals last season but also spent plenty of time in the midfield.
The 27-year-old said he would play wherever he was needed.
"It's always about the particular week and a bit of a horses-for-courses situation against the Bulldogs," Pavlich said.
"I don't have a preference.
"The game has changed quite a deal since I first began as a key forward and there's no doubt having that variety in your game is certainly a fillip.
"At times there's no doubt you can make the call out there and I guess that's what comes with the responsibility of leadership.
"Being around the place for a long time is being able to change things as you see it."
The Bulldogs included Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney and important forward Robert Murphy in the side despite their limited pre-seasons, while Fremantle will unveil draftees Stephen Hill and Nick Suban.
The round one clash against the Bulldogs is Fremantle's annual Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly supported by Fremantle Ports.
Supporters are encouraged to 'dress purple and dig deep' for the Starlight Children's Foundation.
Arrive early for the pre-match 'Purple Haze' activities, as well as the unveiling of the new-look Johnny 'the Doc' Docker mascot! Bouncedown is at 4.10pm.
