Before hitting the road to Perth senior defender Jared Rivers spoke to Cats TV about Saturday night’s battle and Andrew Mackie’s return.

Failing to pull out a win against Fremantle in WA since 2011, the Cats left feeling equipped and ready for the obstacles that lie ahead.

“We’re really excited… we’re looking forward to the big challenge,” Rivers told Cats TV.

Leading up to the game Rivers has taken note of Fremantle’s firing forward line and he expects nothing less but a massive show for Matthew Pavlich’s 300th game.  

“We’ve had a look at them during the week and there’s no doubt they have some dangerous forwards up there and with Pav’s 300th they’ll be up and about for it,” Rivers said.

Since Round 5 against Hawthorn the Cats have been without key defender, Andrew Mackie, who didn’t miss a game for the entire season of 2013.  

Rivers says the players couldn’t be happier for Mackie’s return this Saturday night.

“Yeah it’s good, he brings a lot of direction, leadership and drive for our backline, so it’ll be great to have him back and I think he’s looking forward to it as well,” Rivers said.

Click on the video above to hear more from Dawson Simpson and debutant Jed Bews on Cats TV.