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AAP
AAP
Sport
Justin Chadwick

Dockers back Logue to curb Franklin impact

Fremantle's Griffin Logue is tipped to be given the task of stopping Sydney AFL star Lance Franklin. (AAP)

When Griffin Logue confronted Lance Franklin last year, the Fremantle defender couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle after having six goals booted on him.

Logue produced a standout game that day, tallying seven marks from 19 disposals in a performance that played a critical role in Fremantle's two-point victory over Sydney at Optus Stadium.

Franklin had numerous opportunities thwarted by Logue, but by the end of the match the stat sheet made for ominous reading, with the star Swans forward finishing with 6.1 and 10 marks from 18 disposals.

With Fremantle defender Alex Pearce still sidelined by a calf injury, Logue and Franklin are expected to lock horns yet again in Saturday night's clash at Optus Stadium.

Fremantle forward Travis Colyer, who re-signed with the Dockers for a further year on Friday, is backing Logue to thwart Franklin.

"(Logue) just had a little bit of a grin (after the last time he played on Franklin), because he felt like he played his role really well, and we all acknowledged that he did," Colyer said.

"Griff definitely would have learned a lot out of that game.

"I think it would be a great opportunity for him this weekend if he's playing on Buddy, to have another go and see if he can potentially keep him scoreless or to a couple (of goals).

"Whatever happens, it will be good to watch, that's for sure."

Brennan Cox is another option Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has up his sleeve to curb Franklin, who needs just three more goals to pass Gary Ablett's mark of 1031 career goals.

Sydney coach John Longmire has been busy coming up with plans himself in a bid to stop Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe.

Fyfe has played both in attack and in the midfield with mixed results since returning from back and shoulder injuries in round 13.

The 30-year-old was restricted to just 11 disposals against Carlton three weeks ago in one of the quietest displays of his glittering AFL career.

But his value was underlined in last week's 41-point win over St Kilda, when he booted a goal in the first half playing as a forward, before starring in the midfield after the break.

"We just understand it will be a mixture of both," Longmire said of Fyfe's role.

"But the great thing for Fremantle's perspective is Nat Fyfe is one of many really top-line players they've got there.

"I'm sure Nat's enjoyed playing with a team that's as well rounded as they are at the moment."

Sydney ruckman Tom Hickey, who missed last week's 53-point win over the Western Bulldogs through injury, will return to replace the injured Peter Ladhams (thumb).

Fremantle have been boosted by the return of wingman Blake Acres and defender Heath Chapman.

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