Fit-again Fremantle midfielder Connor Blakely is set to earn a belated recall as the Dockers attempt to end a two-match losing run.
Blakely missed the start of the AFL season after undergoing hamstring surgery, but has impressed since returning to action via the WAFL.
The 23-year-old tallied 20 disposals in his first game back, before starring with 31 disposals, eight marks, and a goal in his second match.
Eyebrows were raised when Blakely wasn't selected for Sunday's 25-point loss to Richmond at Optus Stadium.
Although Fremantle won many of the key statistics in that game, some sloppy forward entries and inaccuracy in front of goal cost them dearly.
After the match, Fremantle coach Ross Lyon defended his decision not to select Blakely, who was an emergency for Sunday's match.
"He's had nine months off, had a big torn tendon," Lyon said.
"It takes time. He's played two WAFL games and is building nicely. Two's not much. You come into the season with three or four internal practice games under your belt."
With the WAFL having a bye over the weekend, Blakely completed a match simulation session on Sunday.
And with the Dockers now in the midst of a two-game losing run, Blakely is a hot chance to earn a recall for Saturday night's clash with Essendon at Marvel Stadium.
"Connor at his best is an important part of our 22," Lyon said.
"I really value his ball winning, his ability to play half back, and ability to play anywhere.
"Clearly we didn't get it done (against Richmond) and last week (against Adelaide), so now you've got a couple of weeks in a row where you can have a look at things.
"Integrity in selection is really important. When people have been doing jobs you reward them, and then as jobs aren't being done you give other people opportunities."
The Dockers received a dose of good news on Monday when skipper Nat Fyfe was cleared of any wrongdoing for his forearm to the head of Richmond's Tom Lynch.
Match review officer Michael Christian said there was insufficient force for it to constitute a reportable offence.
