Essendon champion Scott Lucas says the Bombers will need to be wary of Fremantle’s ability around the stoppages when the two sides meet on Sunday.

The Dons will be hoping to secure a finals spot, while the Dockers will be looking for a morale-boosting win after two heavy defeats.

Despite the back-to-back 104-point losses to Sydney and Richmond, the Dockers enter Sunday’s clash with a midfield featuring Nat Fyfe, Bradley Hill, David Mundy, Lachie Neale and Stephen Hill and Lucas said their big bodies and speed around the stoppages is a significant weapon.

“They’re the number one scoring team in terms of percentage from stoppages,” Lucas said.

“That’s their real weapon – look to take that away.

“You’ve got to have a real focus on the stoppages week in, week out.

“You may need to run an extra number through there (to combat Fremantle) to make it harder for them to get out into open space."

Essendon welcome back Jobe Watson and Travis Colyer for the match while Josh Green (foot) and Craig Bird miss out.

The Bombers have won 15 first quarters this season (equal first in the AFL), compared to the Dockers six (17^th) and Lucas said continuing that record will be important against an interstate team.

“You’re coming up against a team that hasn’t been in great form – two big losses,” he said.

“If they play somewhere near their best the Bombers, they’ll win the game.

“When a team goes interstate, you want to start well. Therefore Essendon need to focus on taking that away from Fremantle.

“Essendon has been a very good first quarter team and that’s something they’ll look to continue this week and really take that early energy out of Fremantle.”