AFTER shutting down Adelaide star Eddie Betts last week, Essendon defender Adam Saad is setting himself to take on one of Fremantle's dangerous goalkickers in Saturday night's clash at Optus Stadium.

Saad was excellent in his first game for Essendon since crossing from Gold Coast last off-season, keeping the three-time All Australian Betts goalless and limiting his influence as the Bombers overran the Crows in the final term.

Fremantle was well beaten in its season opener against Port Adelaide on Saturday, but has some small forwards, including Michael Walters, Hayden Ballantyne and Saad's ex-Suns teammate Brandon Matera, who could trouble the Dons.

Saad has settled in nicely in Essendon's back half, and is ready for another challenge after taking Betts' scalp.

Match preview: Fremantle v Essendon

"I've got no idea [who I'll take], whoever the coaches want me to play on I'll play on," Saad said on Tuesday.

"They're crafty and very smart as well, but if we can bring our team defence it'll go a long way to winning the game."

The 23-year-old, who played three seasons with the Suns before seeking a trade home to Victoria at the end of last season, said he tried to play his natural game against Betts.

"Later in the week I spoke with the coaches and they said I'd be playing on Eddie Betts and to just play my role for the team. I thought I went OK. I just tried doing my best on him and do the best for the team," he said.

Essendon will head to Perth later this week to take on the Dockers, who have beaten the Bombers four of their past five meetings.

They'll take some confidence with them following the exciting victory over the Crows, which came after being 20 points down at the final change.

"It just gives us belief and confidence that, even if we're down by three or four goals at three-quarter time, that we can [do it] and that we've got the run in our legs," he said.

Essendon's main fitness query ahead of the contest surrounds Zach Merrett, who was concussed early in the win.

However, he is tracking well and trained with teammates at the club's Tullamarine base on Tuesday morning and looks more likely than not to be available.

"He's progressing well. He'll get a session in and he should be fine to play," Saad said.

Saad will reach the first milestone of his career this weekend, his 50th AFL game, itself a terrific achievement after he was overlooked in several drafts before being given a chance out of the VFL. 

"I'm just really grateful to be playing AFL footy. I missed out on a couple of drafts, and every game I play is a privilege," Saad said.