As the GIANTS get set to take on the Dockers for the first time at Spotless Stadium on Saturday, we’ve been keeping a close eye on all the news from the west this week. 

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon spoke to the Perth media on Thursday morning, confirming some team changes and predicting that this week’s clash could provide an insight into his side’s future forward line.

The Dockers are playing the GIANTS away from Domain Stadium for the first time in their history and will be without key forward Matthew Pavlich, who is resting ahead of his 353rd and final AFL appearance next week. 

Pavlich has missed a number of travelling fixtures this year with young tall forward Matthew Taberner often the major focal point up front in his absence. 

Taberner was omitted from the senior side a fortnight ago in favour of Michael Apeness, but Lyon touted the 23-year-old would return to the fray this week. 

“He’s more than likely to come in – we haven’t got too many more in the cupboard,” Lyon said. 

“Taberner, Apeness and Yarran are going to be critical to us going forward.

“It’s a throw to the future, as it stands at this point.

“Hopefully (a few forwards) come through drafting in the next few years.” 

Lyon also praised the form of Michael Walters and the work ethic of Hayden Ballantyne, who he expected to make an impact on Saturday.

Another confirmed out for the Dockers is ruckman Aaron Sandilands who strained his glute early in the Dockers’ game against the Crows last weekend.

He played through until three quarter time before being rested for the final quarter. While the Dockers initially said it was precautionary, Lyon confirmed on Thursday the 211cm big man would miss the clash with the GIANTS.

“We won’t take a risk, but he’s 99% to play next weekend,” Lyon said.

With at least two confirmed changes, fremantlefc.com.au took a look at who could come into the Dockers side this weekend.

They named Jack Hannath and Tendai Mzungu as possible inclusions, along with Taberner who is a likely starter.

Hannath was solid in his last outing at reserves level, gathering 18 possessions, 13 hit-outs, six marks and two goals. Ruckman Hannath has rested forward in recent weeks and is a possible replacement for Sandilands.

Mzungu was an emergency against the Crows after a stellar performance for the Peel Thunder the week prior.

The utility was tireless in gathering 36 disposals, 11 marks and a goal, and could bolster his team’s stocks against the GIANTS midfield.

There will be milestones galore at Spotless Stadium on Saturday with Fremantle captain David Mundy set to notch up his 250th AFL game.

“It’s clearly going to be something that I reflect on and hold close to my heart,” Mundy said earlier this week. 

“I’ve grown up at this football club – it’s helped me develop into the person that I am today. 

“I’ve spent a lot of time here so it means a lot." 

Young GIANTS Nathan Wilson and Zac Williams could also be in line to play their 50th games, if selected.

The GIANTS take on Fremantle at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 4.35pm.