From getting a grip on Aaron Sandilands to what looms as a battle of the midfields, sydneyswans.com.au takes a closer look at the hot topics surrounding Saturday's Anzac Day clash against Fremantle at Domain Stadium.

Conquering Sandilands

Our newly formed ruck combination of Mike Pyke and Kurt Tippet aim to conquer its second mountain in consecutive weeks when the Swans take on Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Saturday.

After combatting GWS Giants Shane Mumford and Andrew Phillips last weekend, Pyke and Tippett will come up against arguably the best ruck combination in the business – Aaron Sandilands and Zac Clarke.

Sandilands dominated West Coast’s Nic Naitanui in last weekend’s WA derby, collecting 33 hit outs to Nic Nat’s 20. Clarke chipped in (eight hit outs) but proved his worth up forward by kicking two goals.

Pyke is expected to shoulder the load but Tippett’s influence will be just as important in regards to taking grabs inside 50 and hitting Fremantle hard on the scoreboard.

Sandilands has won the previous two ruck battles, helped by the Dockers’ third men up set-ups, but as results proved the minor victory did not mean a thing with the Swans claiming important victories including the Round 5 win which broke the camel's back early last year and the crucial Qualifying Final triumph at ANZ Stadium.

The midfield battle

The Swans and Dockers are two of only three clubs without a loss in 2015. Wins can be dissected and whittled down all day long but one ingredient remains the same - sides can’t win games without winning the ball first.

This is where the midfield shines. In the Swans’ case, enter Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery, Kieren Jack, Josh Kennedy and Jarred McVeigh. In the Dockers’ case, enter Nat Fyfe, Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill, David Mundy and, as of Round 3, Lachie Neale.

Everyone part of the Swans' midfield rotation will be vital to covering the wider expanses of Domain Stadium and ensuring the undefeated start to 2015 continues.

The Swans came out on top in three crucial areas against another powerhouse in Port Adelaide – contested possessions (146-135), clearances (45-36) and tackles (76-52). You would think winning all three again on Saturday will go a long way in beating the Dockers.

Freo’s smalls

Hayden Ballantine sitting out with suspension means the Swans’ defence has one less dangerous small forward to worry about.

But while Ballantine misses there are still other goal-sneaks to be wary of including Michael Walters (who can forget his three goals v Swans in 2013 Preliminary Final) and the throng of Docker midfielders who can float forward and impact the scoreboard.

Nick Smith, who will be available for selection this weekend after he was a late withdrawal from the GWS clash, would be a good choice to combat the smaller types while the Swans' hard running midfield will be called upon to help out.

Who goes to Fyfe?

Fremantle dynamo Nat Fyfe has averaged 32 disposals in the first three rounds of the season. More than half of those have been contested while Fyfe can also find the scoreboard with four majors kicked so far, including three in a best-on-ground performance against Geelong in Round 2.

Who do the Swans send to mind the early Brownlow favourite?

Craig Bird shut down GWS’ livewire Dylan Shiel, restricting him to 14 possessions and 47% disposal efficiency, during last weekend’s clash

Fyfe is on another level completely but Bird is a proven stopper and, with some help from his fellow midfielders, will be important in limiting the ball magnet's impact.

Anzac Day

There is no need to talk up the significance of Anzac Day and the importance of paying respect to the past and present Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in armed conflict over the years.

Collingwood and Essendon usually have the exclusivity to Anzac Day, but because April 25 lands on a Saturday means the occasion has been opened up for a number of other clubs and players to experience the special occasion.

A bevy of Swans are expected to play on the sacred day for the first time. They include Gary Rohan, Jake Lloyd, Jeremy Laidler, Isaac Heeney and Kurt Tippett, with the latter taking the opportunity to speak to SwansTV about the emotional day.

“It’s going to be a completely new experience for me," he said. "I’m really looking forward to going out there and bringing our best and to celebrate the wonderful occasion that is Anzac Day.”

In the coinciding game two years ago, Sydney and St Kilda became the first two AFL clubs to play for premiership points outside Australia. The Swans defeated St Kilda by 16 points in Wellington, New Zealand with Dan Hannebery (30 disposals) winning the Anzac Day Medal as the player to best epitomize the Anzac Spirit.