Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says his team can’t afford to take Gold Coast lightly this Saturday, after the SUNS sent shock waves through the AFL following their upset victory over Richmond in the opening round.

In all three previous encounters, Guy McKenna’s men have fallen short in their efforts against the Dockers, with the Western Australian powerhouse proving too strong for the SUNS rising playing group.

But the tide appears to be turning for the McKenna and his much-improved 22, the Gold Coast mentor flying his strongest-ever team to the west that includes the likes of 2013 Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett and reigning Rising Star winner Jaeger O’Meara.

Club champion runner-up Dion Prestia’s confidence is still sky-high after his breakthrough 2013 season, and the club’s three key tall forwards in Tom Lynch, Sam Day and Charlie Dixon have shown how damaging they can be when on song.

"We understand they're a really talented list," Lyon said.

"Super talent everywhere and really well led by some senior players, like Michael Rischitelli and Gary Ablett.

“We understand there's a big challenge coming our way but we're pretty keen to accept the challenge."

As flagged by assistant coach Mark Riley on Wednesday, the Gold Coast are out to make the most of Patersons Stadium’s lengthier expenses through their elite running capability.

Lyon says the Dockers will have no choice but to match the opposition’s hard-running game style.

"Well, we'll just run hard," Lyon said.

"We train to run. We run hard. We go from start to finish."