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Shayne Hope

Surge mentality: Dockers forwards ready to stand tall

After a thrilling win over Sydney, Isaiah Dudley says the Dockers will be bold in the grand final. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Fremantle forward Isaiah Dudley has urged teammates to commit to a bold attacking style in the AFL grand final against Brisbane in order to give their key talls the best chance of influencing the outcome.

Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Patrick Voss have collectively been below their best across the finals series, and managed just two goals between them in the Dockers' extraordinary comeback win over Sydney.

The trio were rendered largely ineffective in the loss to Hawthorn, though Voss's four goals in the win over Geelong were a highlight.

Jye Amiss, Patrick Voss and Josh Treacy
The Dockers hope their "big three" Jye Amiss, Patrick Voss and Josh Treacy fire in the grand final. (Adam Trafford/AAP PHOTOS)

All-Australian centre half-forward Treacy, in particular, has been under a spotlight, kicking just two goals and averaging 8.3 disposals across the three lead-up finals.

Dudley admitted perceived pressure got to Fremantle's ball-carriers at times, affecting their delivery to the key targets.

But the lively goal-sneak is confident the Dockers can produce more effective build-up play on the biggest stage of all as they chase the club's first premiership.

"If we can surge it forward and get one-on-ones instead of mucking around with it, get field position, the big boys will get it done," Dudley told AAP.

Josh Treacy
Josh Treacy and fellow tall Mason Cox will be looking to make a big impact against the Lions. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

"They know they didn't have their best games (against Sydney), but they still brought it to the ground for us small boys and the mids.

"They do a lot for us when they create contests. Everyone can have a (poor) game and some people don't, but this week I'm pretty sure they'll be up and about."

Amiss (58 goals), Treacy (54) and Voss (41) each produced career-best goal tallies to power the 19-4 Dockers to the minor premiership.

They face a stern test against Brisbane's back-to-back flag-winning defence, led by experienced star Harris Andrews.

Harris Andrews
Harris Andrews is the centrepiece of a strong defence for the hat-trick-seeking Brisbane Lions. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

"We need to get the ball in deep to our key forwards to let them do their thing because they work so well together," Dudley said.

"They know when to isolate each other and when to come across. We just need to get it in quick and let the big boys do the rest."

Fremantle have won a record-equalling eight games after trailing at three-quarter time this season, and overcame a 28-point deficit in their preliminary final against Sydney.

It has fuelled belief in the playing group that they can win from anywhere.

"There's no fear in this group. We have that much belief, we know we can knock teams over in 120 minutes," Dudley said.

"That's what it takes, 120 minutes, and the leaders do so well to keep us staying in the moment, staying where our feet (are) and just connecting.

"We're the best team when we connect."

Isaiah Dudley
Isaiah Dudley says there is a strong connection among the Fremantle players. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Dudley said the Dockers' "no-fear" attitude would extend to playing in front of 100,000 fans at the MCG, in an environment Brisbane know so well after reaching the grand final for a fourth consecutive year.

"We'll dial in during the week and talk about distractions," he said.

"JL (coach Justin Longmuir) is so good on that and we've got a big task, but we'll do a deep dive on that during the week."

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