Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich has warned Dockers fans not to expect a totally polished performance in Sunday's clash with the Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval, saying it will take time for the new look side to click.

The Dockers, who lost a host of experienced players to retirement during last year's disappointing 6-16 campaign, topped up their list with 14 new players via the national and rookie drafts.

Pavlich said, while a win against the Bulldogs would be desperately sought, it wasn't the be all and end all.

"It's all about momentum and gaining it at different stages of the year," Pavlich 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.

"We have been training for four or five months about the exact way we are going to play.

"(There were) a few teething problems early in the pre-season but we got a little bit of grip on it from the last couple of games.

"We are confident we've done enough preparations that we can be in a good position to showcase our talents."

Pavlich booted 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.

"Now 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 and being around the place for a long time is being able to change things as you see it."

The Bulldogs included star pair Robert Murphy and Adam Cooney in the side despite their limited pre-seasons, while the Dockers will unveil recruits Stephen Hill and Nick Suban.

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