The Dockers inflicted the first defeat upon the Demons since round 19 last year, booting the last 10 goals at the MCG on Saturday to end Melbourne's 17-game winning streak.

After two disappointing losses against Gold Coast and Collingwood, Fremantle showed they are the real deal by moving to 8-3 ahead of a heavyweight showdown with second-placed Brisbane next Sunday.

Longmuir slammed his players after losing to the Magpies last week, saying "everyone was getting way ahead of themselves".

But the third-year coach was extremely measured when speaking out about one the greatest wins in Fremantle's history.

"I'm just really proud of the players, clearly the last two weeks have been really disappointing," Longmuir said.

"Sometimes when that happens you can go insular and become individual but from the very start of the week it is about getting back to playing team footy before those two bad losses.

"It's one game. I said it last week, you get ahead of yourself in this game and you get what you deserve.

"Melbourne were missing a couple tonight and got some injuries early which were disruptive to them.

"It's a long season if you ride the ups and downs.

"We'll enjoy this win but not getting past next week."

Fremantle could be boosted by the eagerly awaited return of dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe for the round 12 clash with the Lions at Optus Stadium.

"We'll have to weigh that up Monday, Tuesday and see how he feels and see where his confidence levels are at," Longmuir said.

Important forward Matt Taberner was subbed out against the Demons with back spasms but Longmuir is hopeful the issues are not serious.

"He's probably had this two or three times over the last couple of years," Longmuir said.

"If you get it early in the week you're no worries you can play with them but if you get it in game it's really hard to function so hopefully it's a quick fix."

Australian Associated Press