Bulldogs big man Rory Lobb urged to embrace boos

The 30-year-old has endured a tough start to his time at the Bulldogs, booting just three goals in four appearances.

Fremantle have also struggled without Lobb, with the Dockers opening the season with a 2-3 record amidst some forward-line struggles.

Freo fans are tipped to give Lobb a frosty reception, but Beveridge doesn't think the 207cm spearhead will be put off his game.

"Rory's expecting it, and we'll help him deal with it and we'll help him play as well as he can," Beveridge told reporters on Thursday.

"I don't think the booing of Rory Lobb tomorrow night is going to be an issue.

"It's definitely topical when it comes to other players at different times, but we just need to welcome it and (welcome) the hostile environment we're going to walk into tomorrow night."

Just last week, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley took issue at people booing 19-year-old recruit Jason Horne-Francis, saying people should be embarrassed heckling such a young player.

Sydney champion Adam Goodes was driven out of the game by booing that had racist undertones.

Beveridge doesn't have an issue with booing, as long as it's done in the right context.

"Booing is ingrained in our game ... it's quite a natural phenomenon as far as I'm concerned," Beveridge said. 

"From when we were all kids, at the footy, spectators have always tried to get the upper hand and help their team by booing opposition players.

"But if there's something sinister and nasty attached to it, then I don't think any of us condone it."

Fremantle made just one change, slotting last week's sub Will Brodie into the 22 to replace Sam Switkowski (calf).

The Bulldogs welcome back Alex Keath from concussion in place of Josh Bruce, who is set for an extended stint on the sidelines after injuring multiple ribs in last week's 14-point loss to the Power.

Last week's sub Toby McLean has replaced Mitch Hannan in the 22.

Two of the Bulldogs' most traumatic recent big-game losses have come at Optus Stadium.

They lost the 2021 grand final to Melbourne by 74 points and coughed up a 41-point lead in last year's 13-point elimination-final defeat to Fremantle.

But there have also been happy memories, most notably a 101-point win over West Coast last year.

Beveridge doesn't think last year's elimination-final loss to the Dockers will continue to haunt his players.

"It's not an issue. You've got to move on from episodes like that," he said.

"We've had a similarly traumatic ending to a year the year before that, on the same oval.

"But we've had some really good wins out here and the boys enjoy playing here."