Sitting pretty at the top of the ladder with seven wins in a row, Fremantle is the talk of the footy world.

But despite their early-season dominance, the Dockers aren’t getting ahead of themselves.

Saturday night’s clash looms as a vital encounter, with last year’s loss at the hands of North Melbourne still fresh in the mind of the coach and players.

"We know they're (the Kangaroos) a top-four team from last year, so we won't be taking them lightly," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon told 6PR on Monday.

Midfielder Michael Barlow missed the teams’ clash at Domain Stadium in 2014, but is all too aware of the Roos’ capabilities.

"Last time we played them they got a hold of us and their best took them to a Prelim last year," he said.

"That speaks for itself. They’re as good as any on their day.

"It’s a huge challenge for us again."

Following that defeat, the Dockers lost just three more games during the home and away season, eventually making it to a semi-final.

"We learned a lot of lessons when we played them (the Kangaroos) last year and didn’t quite execute a few things," Barlow said.

"We’ll have a look at that ... but 12 months has passed."

Fremantle has lost just two of their last 28 matches at home, and will take extreme confidence into this week’s match.

The availability of Nat Fyfe, who escaped suspension for tripping, and potentially defender Luke McPharlin (calf) makes the Dockers a daunting prospect for Brad Scott's men.

While the Roos will go into the match as outsiders, a victory would see them in a strong position at five wins and three losses.