Norm Smith medallist Isaac Smith has called for Fremantle to use this weekend’s clash against finals-bound Melbourne at the MCG as a “full dress rehearsal” for the grand final.

The all-conquering Dockers locked away a top-two spot with their 37-point win against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on Friday night, ensuring they will play at least two home finals.

Justin Longmuir’s side have been the raging favourites to claim their maiden premiership in 2026 for some time and their club record 18th win for the season has only firmed their cause.

The ladder-leaders will now head east to the ‘G to take on a rejuvenated Demons side on Saturday morning in what is their only second game at the venue for the season and what could be their final match there until grand final day.

Smith — who won four premierships including three at Hawthorn and one at Geelong — said the Dockers needed to use this upcoming game to prepare for a likely grand final berth.

“If I was Fremantle this would be a full dress rehearsal for grand final day,” Smith said on The Sunday Footy Show.

“They should expect to be there, they should be planning their season out, counting down to that grand final day.

“I’d be doing everything from when we’re going to fly over to having tickets for families, for any functions... you don’t necessarily go to the function but you know exactly what’s going to happen before the day so you can get to the bounce and you can be confident you’ve done everything.

“Because they haven’t been in a situation where they’ve played in big finals over the last few years so, it’s going to be fascinating. I hope they do it because they are a team that should be genuinely expecting to be there grand final day.”

Smith said he would also make the fact they’re doing such an in-depth plan as public as possible.

“I’d be putting it out to the world. Too often we try to suppress those feelings,” he said.

“I was always big on you play football to win finals (and) you should be putting that out to the world. You should be playing football like you expect to be there and embrace it.

“They’re clearly the best team in the competition, there is no arrogance about expecting to be there grand final day.”

Fremantle have not played at the MCG in September since they lost to Collingwood by 20 points in the 2022 semi-final.

Since, they have a mixed record there winning five of their past eight, but were beaten by the Demons on their home turf in round six last year despite headed in as hot favourites with their opponents winless before the contest.

Starr Kysaiah Pickett tore the Dockers to shreds that day, kicking five goals from 24 touches to poll maximum Brownlow Medal votes in the 10 point triumph.

Fremantle will finish their season against the Demons away before hosting Adelaide in a blockbuster Thursday night clash at Optus Stadium and then against a red-hot Carlton at Marvel Stadium in round 24 on Saturday, August 22.