Fremantle goalsneak Michael Walters is set to make his AFL return against Hawthorn on Sunday, but defender Luke McPharlin faces a fight to get his body right for the finals.
Walters made a solid playing return in the WAFL on Saturday, tallying 19 possessions and a goal in his first game back from ankle surgery.
The 23-year-old has also been training the house down in recent weeks, increasing his chances of a senior recall for the crunch clash with Hawthorn at Patersons Stadium.
But the news isn't so good for McPharlin, who broke down with yet another calf injury in Saturday's heartbreaking loss to Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
McPharlin has now been subbed off with calf troubles in two of his past three matches, with scans set to determine how serious his latest setback is.
Even if it is on the minor end of the scale, his recent history of breaking down in games has jeopardised his spot in the side.
At his best, McPharlin is one of Fremantle's most important players, with his rebound from defence and shutdown ability a vital asset for the Dockers.
Should McPharlin be unable to get his body right in time for the finals, Fremantle will be forced to rely on Alex Silvagni to fill the void in defence.
Silvagni has proven himself to be a solid one-on-one defender, but he lacks the rebound punch that McPharlin offers.
Fremantle's top-two hopes are all but over following their after-the-siren loss to Geelong, and they face a fight just to maintain fourth spot.
Port Adelaide sit one win adrift of the top-four, and their final-round showdown with Fremantle in Perth could well decide who finishes fourth and earns the coveted double finals chance.
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