Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich is delighted with the way his side has embraced new coach Ross Lyon's attitude and tactics as they edge closer to the new AFL season.

The Dockers will get their first taste of a match scenario since Lyon replaced Mark Harvey in Friday's intra-club game, while their NAB Cup opener is less than a fortnight away.

Lyon has spent most of the pre-season working to improve Fremantle's fitness levels while implementing a new game plan in time for their round one match against Geelong on March 31.

Pavlich, who is expected to spend most of his time as a forward this season after playing primarily in midfield in recent years, said the club were pleased with the extent to which they've reached both aims as they try improve on last year's 11th placed finish.

"We're really satisfied to this point that we've done a large amount of work to get us to a satisfactory level. Now it's time to play games against opposition to really see where we're at," Pavlich said.

"It's a demanding program that Ross has tried to implement. Each day we walk into the club on our toes...but I'm really impressed by the way he's approached this particular group and some of the really clear priorities that he has."

"I think to the guys' credit as well, they've really embraced Ross and the new coaches that we've had come to the club. I think you've seen a real appetite for work and a hunger for success."

"Not only has Ross brought that attitude, but there's a couple of guys that are unsatisfied from their footy years last year, and together we've really worked hard."

Like much of the Fremantle squad, Pavlich has noticeably trimmed down over the off-season in an attempt to rectify the lack of fitness and injury problems which plagued the team last year as they lost their last seven games.

The 30-year-old is adamant the benefits of that work would be on show during the NAB Cup and into the season proper.

"I'm really confident as we go into this season that the preparation's done. We've studied hard and now it's time for the exam," he said.

"I think it's important to note that there's been 45 other players that have made really large steps in their game. I'm not the only one."

The Dockers play West Coast and Essendon in the opening round of the NAB Cup at Patersons Stadium on February 19.