Star midfielder Jaeger O’Meara believes Gold Coast’s rising on-ball division has what it takes to combat Fremantle’s ‘boa-constrictor’ team defence.

The Dockers reaffirmed their status as competition heavyweights with a comprehensive 71-point victory over Collingwood at Etihad Stadium last Friday night, silencing the 37,571 die-hard Magpie fans in attendance with their menacing ball pressure and quick movement.

But O’Meara says his side is capable of matching the 2013 grand finalists, and after going toe-to-toe with Richmond’s star-studded midfield, the West Australian is confident his team’s engine room can take it to another level against Freo. 

“Their (Fremantle) pressure was outstanding and they used the corridor really well, too, against Collingwood, so it is going to be a massive test for us over there, especially for our midfield,” O’Meara told The Courier Mail. 

“They made the grand final last year and it doesn’t look like they have dropped off at all.

“If we are going to get better as a team and as a midfield, we have to play well against the top teams with the top midfields. In the past, we probably relied on Gary a lot but we are getting a good even contribution from all the boys now.”

For the second time in his 23-game career, O’Meara laid a game-high 10 tackles against the Tigers and took it upon himself to lead the charge for the home team. 

 “Our pressure was good last night and it will need to be better again against Fremantle.

“We’ve done a lot of tackling work over the summer and we are starting to really stick our tackles.”

Unfortunately, a shoulder injury to Jack Martin soured the Gold Coast’s first win of the season, with the exciting 18-year-old expected to spend an extend period of time on the sidelines.

But O’Meara is confident his fellow Sandgroper will bounce back from the injury and reclaim his place as a first-choice player later in the season. 

“Jack will be a little bit upset but we’ll all get around him and I’m sure he will come back soon.”