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West Coast captain Shannon Hurn and Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe have urged their western derby debutants to embrace the hype and pressure of the week as they prepare for a record crowd at

Optus Stadium. The Dockers could have seven derby debutants on Sunday after Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra, Mitch Crowden, Bailey Banfield, Taylin Duman, Brandon Matera and Nathan Wilson played

against the Western Bulldogs last Saturday night. West Coast’s team that beat Carlton included three yet to play in a derby — Jake Waterman, Willie Rioli and Tom Cole. Hurn is a veteran of

20 derbies and was an 18-year-old playing in his second game when he confronted the Dockers for the first time. The reigning Ross Glendinning medallist said it was important to recognise

that the derby isn’t a normal game. “Don’t hide away from it but don’t live every minute of it,” Hurn said. “It is there so have a bit of excitement with it. You don’t want to lock yourself

away and say ‘I don’t want anything to do with it’. It’s exciting to play the game. It’s a great game to play in. “But it’s really important that the players understand what’s going on

outside but know what we need to focus on as a club. “We need to play how we want to play. That’s playing good team football and working for each other. “Yeah, the crowd is going to be

different. There’ll be 60,000 people and probably 50,000 Fremantle supporters. “That’s outside noise but we have to focus on the things we’re trying to do.” Fremantle have beaten Essendon,

Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs in their three matches at the new venue. The Dockers haven’t won a derby since 2015 but only one win separates the teams on the ladder this season.

Fremantle have played an attacking brand and brought youngsters into the team. Fyfe was also 18 and playing his second game when he made his derby debut. He kicked two goals that day. The

Brownlow medallist said the Dockers wanted their players to enjoy the week. “I’m sure they’ll enjoy the experience. Both clubs will do their own thing to build the game up internally,” Fyfe

said. “We’re hopeful our first-year players and new players to the derby will handle themselves well.” GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THEWEST.COM.AU IN YOUR INBOX. Sign up for our emails