Fremantle defender Zac Dawson will make his playing return this week, but the Dockers may opt to play it safe with fellow veteran Luke McPharlin.
Dawson has finally recovered from a long-standing groin issue and will play for WAFL side Peel Thunder in Saturday's clash with South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval.
The 29-year-old has been a key cog in Fremantle's defence over the past three seasons, and was named the club's joint player of the finals series last year.
But with Fremantle's counter-punch defence thriving in his absence, Dawson faces a fight to win back his place.
Dawson's hopes of earning a senior recall in the near future could hinge on the fitness of McPharlin, who ruled himself out of last week's win over Essendon because of calf soreness.
The 33-year-old missed six games last season because of calf issues, and he didn't want to risk another setback after sensing something wasn't quite right at training.
"Luke made the call (to rule himself out last week)," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said.
"We were warming him up slowly and he couldn't get going, and he said, 'No - I'm out'.
"So we just backed Luke's call in.
"But if Luke was really confident, it would be nice for him to play (against the Bulldogs)."
Debutant Alex Pearce put in a strong display in McPharlin's absence, with the 19-year-old keeping Bombers spearhead Joe Daniher to just one goal.
The 200cm Docker tallied 10 possessions and six marks to showcase his future potential.
"I thought he played with confidence," Lyon said of Pearce, who was snared with pick No.37 in the 2013 national draft.
"He went for his marks, got a fist in, ran off.
"Above all, he's a great athlete who competes fiercely. We know he'll continue to blossom."
Fremantle are the new premiership favourites after moving two games clear on top of the table.
The Bulldogs (4-2) slipped to seventh spot after coughing up a 55-point lead in their seven-point loss to St Kilda.
In an added blow, youngster Clay Smith ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will now have to undergo a third knee reconstruction.
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