It's hard to believe, but many media experts are already saying last year's minor premier Fremantle is fighting to save its season.

Fremantle is sitting at 0-3 in 2016; losses to the Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast and West Coast – the latter two at Domain Stadium – leaving the Dockers third from last on the ladder.

But while Fremantle may be copping criticism for its slow start, the Kangaroos know more than most how it can change.

North is the last team to make the finals after a 0-3 start. All the way back in 2007, it made a preliminary final.

There are five Kangaroos still at the club from that game – Michael Firrito, Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Andrew Swallow and Daniel Wells. No doubt they’ll be reminding their teammates of how quickly things can turn.

Fremantle will be missing several key players for Sunday’s clash. None are bigger than Aaron Sandilands, the ruckman out for at least a month after suffering a collapsed lung and fractured ribs in last week’s Derby.

The Dockers' skipper David Mundy is also out injured, having suffered a calf strain.

Coupled with the continuing absence of recruit Harley Bennell (calf), Fremantle is relying on its remaining senior players to step up.

Lachie Neale is leading the club in total disposals – averaging almost 30 a game in his first three. Narrowly behind him is Brownlow Medalist Nathan Fyfe, who also provides the additional threat of hitting the scoreboard.

Small forwards Michael Walters and Hayden Ballantyne have been typically threatening at ground level, and they both boast good records against the Kangaroos.

Ballantyne has kicked four goals in a game twice against North, while Walters kicked six goals in the two meetings last season, averaging close to 20 disposals a game.

Down back, there is no more Luke McPharlin to contend with. His retirement at the end of 2015 means Drew Petrie will no longer have to face the man he described as one of his "toughest opponents".

Jonathon Griffin is all but certain to be Sandilands’ replacement in the ruck, with Zac Clarke unavailable due to knee bruising.

Griffin played Fremantle’s season-opener due to Sandilands' suspension, registering 14 hit-outs and seven disposals. The Dockers were defeated by 11 in the clearance battle that day.