Darren Glass believes Fremantle save their best football for western derbies, but the West Coast skipper is hell-bent on putting an end to the Dockers' recent good run.

Fremantle, whipping boys for the Eagles in the early days, have won five of the past six derbies and enter Saturday's AFL clash with some confidence following last week's drought-breaking win over Sydney.

Glass admitted West Coast's woeful record of late against their arch rivals had stung the player group and left them with a point to prove.

"It seems to be that they (Fremantle) play their best footy in the derby and there's no doubt we certainly want to play our best footy each and every week," Glass said on Tuesday.

"They just seem to have played well in derbies, they've had a good record of late.

"There's no doubt we want to address that this season."

Matthew Pavlich holds the key for the Dockers but Glass warned his fellow defenders against becoming too conscious of the Fremantle skipper.

"He's no doubt a very important player to them but I think there's certainly more weapons to Fremantle than just Matthew Pavlich," Glass said.

"That was the strength of their game on the weekend, they had contributors all over the ground, so our focus is about shutting Fremantle down.

"Pavlich is an important part but not the only part.

"Michael Johnson and (Luke) McPharlin, all those guys can come forward, (Antoni) Grover as well, so we are going to have our wits about us I guess."

Fremantle will enter the match without gun onballer Rhys Palmer after scans confirmed the 20-year-old had damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, ending his season.

"Injuries are a part and parcel of the game but it's disappointing to see such a young player ... go down," Glass said.

"I wish Rhys all the best with the recovery.

"He's a very important player for Fremantle.

"He's a very hard, in and under player and he certainly adds something to their side."

Glass has been a pillar of strength in the Eagles' backline this season after enduring an indifferent 2008, when he played much of the season carrying an injury.

The 27-year-old, who restricted Lance Franklin to 12 possessions and two goals last week, attributed his good form to a more settled backline, where emerging talents Mitch Brown and Eric Mackenzie have taken key roles.

"I thought our defensive pressure as a whole has improved this year and that certainly makes my job easier," Glass said.

"Browny's coming along very well.

"He's a terrific athlete, still pretty raw.

"He's got a terrific work-rate and he just wants to learn, he's like a big sponge around the club, so he's going to be a terrific player and I think we'll see improvement from him throughout the year.

"(Mackenzie's) come on very well and I love playing with him because you know he's going to rock up every day and bring that good, consistent game.

"His form has been outstanding."

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