All-Australian defender Jeremy McGovern has credited team mate Tom Cole's inspirational goal saving tackle in the first term against Fremantle in the RAC Derby.

The stand in skipper lost position on Dockers forward Matt Taberner who marked strongly in the goal square.

Deciding to play on, Taberner got run down by a diving Cole tackle which spilled the ball over the goal line and the umpire rewarding a free kick for holding the ball. 

"That would have been a clear one on myself, so it was good Tommy Cole saved my bum there, I am sure I will look after him during the week in some way" McGovern told 96FM.

Fremantle attempted to negate McGovern's influence  who still managed 14 disposals and seven marks, three of which were intercepts. 

"It (the tag) was coming to myself a little bit and that has happened a bit in the past couple of years, but we have five other guys who can be very damaging so as a back six we all play together."

The 28 year old is looking forward to the challenge of league powerhouse Collingwood in front of an Eagles home crowd for the first time in 2020.

"It'll be great to see our fans out there again, and it'll be a good contest so it will test where we are at."