Fremantle are set to treat their final NAB Challenge clash against Geelong as a full dress rehearsal for the Round one clash against Western Bulldogs.
Giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands, who'll miss the clash against the Bulldogs on March 27 due to suspension will be left out of the side after he received a one-game ban by the Match Review Panel for a high bump on Richmond's Ben Griffiths during the NAB Challenge clash in Mandurah.
After holding on to beat Adelaide in a thriller in Mt Barker on Sunday, Dockers coach Ross Lyon said new club captain David Mundy, forward Hayden Ballantyne, new recruit Harley Bennell, defender Lee Spurr and ruckman Zac Clarke would all potentially play against the Cats in two weeks time.
And after failing to impress with their opportunity against the Crows, some of Fremantle's fringe players will make way for their senior teammates.
"I thought a couple didn't put their best foot forward today," Lyon said.
"I think people that are trying to cement spots, certainly I didn't think there was anyone that really sewed it up.
"I thought they were solid without stamping it."
Only two Dockers - Tom Sheridan (28) and Nat Fyfe (26) - reached 20 possessions, but the likes of Brady Grey, Sam Collins and Ethan Hughes failed to impress, although they had only limited opportunities.
Lyon may find it harder to ignore Lachie Weller and Ed Langdon who both showed that they aren't too far off.
Weller, in particular, is showing plenty of run and an ability to hit the scoreboard. He kicked the first goal against the Crow on Sunday, a long shot that should have been a nine-pointer, but was incorrectly given just six.
Its a good thing they won by two points.
Jon Griffin was the leading ruckman on Sunday, with Crow Sam Jacobs and Sandilands both missing from the content - the latter a late withdrawal from the extended squad.
Jack Hannath may struggle to keep his place in the side with Clarke likely to play against the Cats.
Sandilands was fit to play, but with Lyon now focused on Round 1, he will need to complete his pre-season on the training track.
"We probably won't even play him against Geelong, to be truthful, because he doesn't need it," Lyon said.
"He had a great summer."
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