Fremantle defender Garrick Ibbotson missed the 2013 AFL grand final because of an Achilles tendon injury and he hopes skipper Matthew Pavlich won't suffer the same fate this year.
Pavlich is in some doubt for Sunday's western derby against West Coast after pulling up sore in his achilles tendon following last week's win over St Kilda.
The 331-game veteran has battled pain around his achilles area in recent years and was forced to undergo surgery in 2013.
But the Dockers are hopeful his latest flare-up isn't serious, naming him in an extended 25-man squad for the derby.
David Mundy (ankle) and Luke McPharlin (corked calf) were also named, but all three will need to pass fitness tests at training on Friday before being given the final green light to play.
Ibbotson's own achilles issue was thought to be minor in 2013.
But the situation worsened to the point where Ibbotson missed the final two months of the season - including Fremantle's loss to Hawthorn in the grand final.
"They can get better really quick, but it just depends. It's an individual thing," Ibbotson said.
"It didn't work out very well for me.
"It was supposed to be week by week and then it ended up being seven or eight and then I missed the grand final.
"Pav's had problems before that he's been fine with.
"And he's been able to play for a long time with an achilles."
Brownlow medal favourite Nat Fyfe (groin) will make his return this week, while defender Michael Johnson (hamstring) is also a chance to play after recovering from a torn hamstring.
West Coast were dealt another injury blow on Thursday when Scott Selwood was ruled out because of a recurring ankle injury.
Selwood joins fellow stars Nic Naitanui (compassionate leave), Mark LeCras (suspended) and Jeremy McGovern (hamstring) on the sidelines, but ruckman Callum Sinclair (knee) is on track to return.
Fremantle are likely to win the minor premiership even if they slip up to their arch rivals on Sunday.
But for West Coast, the stakes are far higher.
The Eagles sit just two points clear of the third-placed Hawks and a loss this weekend would dash their hopes of finishing second, and also put their top-four hopes in doubt.
Ibbotson said the intense derby rivalry in Western Australia also divided his family.
"My brother was a West Coast supporter for a long time and probably still is, really," Ibbotson joked.
"We've had a few disagreements and arguments along the way.
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