And while they produced a determined effort to upset the Bulldogs 24-20 in Wellington last round, the Warriors realise they need to build on that display if they are to improve both their patchy three and four record and climb up from 11th place on the competition standings.
"They back their defence, Melbourne, and they want to keep turning you around and we need to be prepared to do that because you can't avoid it," McFadden said.
"So we've got to play that patient style of football. Last time, it was very close and Melbourne completed at about 90 per cent so you've got to go the distance with them.
"We were pretty patient [against the Bulldogs]. We waited for our opportunities and when we got them, we utilised the football, so it's going to be no different this weekend.
"These games are traditionally a real battle so we've got to be patient again."
The loss of fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to a season-ending ACL injury is huge blow to the Warriors' season but McFadden was relieved the side can call on the hard-running and experience of veteran winger Manu Vatuvei, in his return after two games out with a hamstring injury.
"It's big getting any player back, but Manu, he brings a lot to our side," he said. "Losing Roger and that go-forward he gives the team, it's important it's made up somewhere, and Manu gives us that."
The individual contest between Warriors hooker Issac Luke and Storm skipper Cameron Smith will also be pivotal to both side's hopes.
After a slow start to the season, McFadden has been pleased with his No9's encouraging form over the past month and expects him to provide headaches for the home side's defence as his combinations with the Warriors forwards continue to develop.
"He's getting used to playing with the team, so you're starting to see some combinations build.
"And, as I said all along, that would take time, because it's more instinct than it is structured," McFadden said of Luke.
"I just want to continue to see him be consistent at running when he gets opportunities."
