Sydney coach Paul Roos admits the mere size of Aaron Sandilands makes it nearly impossible for rival AFL tap specialists to even break even against the Fremantle giant in the ruck.

Sandilands, who at 211cm is the tallest man in the competition, has been a rare shining light for the Dockers in their miserable 0-4 start to the season.

The 26-year-old, who earned his first All-Australian guernsey in 2008, is averaging 26 hit-outs a game this year.

Although Sydney ruckman Darren Jolly is averaging a whopping 36 hit-outs per game, Roos has instructed his midfielders to put a particular emphasis on sharking Sandilands' taps when the two lock horns at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

"Sandilands is about eight foot three so he's certainly big and athletic," Roos quipped.

"I think the midfield battle is going to be really important.

"Hopefully we can get our hands on the ball around the stoppages and stop their good players, and Sandilands is one of them.

"So you put a lot of time and effort into the stoppages against Freo because you know it is hard for your ruckmen to get their hands on the ball because he's so tall and he can be such a dominant force.

"We need to be aware of him.

"Sometimes you've got to be a little bit more defensive because of Sandilands' size."

Sydney made just one change to the team that defeated Carlton last week, recalling midfielder Amon Buchanan for Jarred Moore.

The Dockers, embarrassed by St Kilda in their last outing, included forward Ryan Murphy, defender Scott Thornton and 20-year-old Clayton Hinkley at the expense of Daniel Gilmore, Kepler Bradley and Josh Head.

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said his side couldn't afford to get caught up in Sydney's renowned stop-start style.

"They are a really well-drilled side that love scrapping and if you get caught up in that scrap that can be to the detriment of what you want to do," Harvey said.

"They've had two really good games and two games where they've sort of had a problem with what they want to do so hopefully it can be a third time on Saturday night."

The match will mark Brett Kirk's 200th AFL game, as well as defender Craig Bolton's 150th appearance for the Swans after starting his career with Brisbane.

"Craig and Brett have been the heart and soul of the footy club for the last six years and it's a significant day for them," Roos said.

Bolton, who restricted Blues spearhead Brendan Fevola to one goal last week, said he expected to spend some time on Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich.

"He's a very good player and looking to have a big game this weekend," Bolton said.

"Pav's been doing his best for Freo and he's such a good player and you can see he's going to have a breakout game sooner or later.

"I think he's been playing really well as it is anyway, so he's certainly a player we'll have to be aware of."

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