Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe has declared himself a certain starter for round one of the AFL season and insists he's not panicking despite the team's pre-season midfield flop against West Coast.
Fyfe underwent minor surgery on his right elbow shortly after appearing in the AFLX tournament in late February.
The 27-year-old missed both of Fremantle's trials but said he tested his elbow out in contact exercises on Sunday and passed with flying colours.
"It was a really minor procedure that we decided to undertake so there was no risk going into the season," Fyfe said on Tuesday.
"I could have easily gone into round one as it was, but we decided to have the elective surgery.
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"I trained fully on Sunday, involving contact as well. So I'm fine."
Fyfe's return for the round-one clash with North Melbourne on March 24 is critical after Fremantle's midfield was blitzed in Sunday's 51-point pre-season loss to West Coast.
The youthful Dockers lost the clearances 55-27, with the Eagles booting nine consecutive goals either side of half-time.
With Lachie Neale now at Brisbane and Connor Blakely nursing a serious knee injury, Fyfe and David Mundy will have to shoulder the midfield load.
Fyfe said his team's effort against West Coast wasn't an accurate reflection of what will happen in the season proper, but rather an injury-hit side that got beaten by the defending premiers.
"I think it shows the immaturity of our team somewhat," Fyfe said.
"I don't think it's panic stations but it just shows we've got some kinks to iron out.
"We'll get Dave Mundy back in our midfield, I'll be coming back in. That means there's not as much load on (Andrew) Brayshaw and (Adam) Cerra."
Fyfe has spent periods up forward in recent seasons in a bid to add some vital goals to an undermanned attack.
But with Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb now at the club, Fyfe is expected to spend more time in the midfield.
Dockers coach Ross Lyon is confident about what lies ahead for his group.
"I've got no doubt this club will deliver premierships," Lyon said.
"We've just got to keep our shoulder to the wheel, everyone committed to the bigger picture, keep bringing great people, get our strategy right, get our selection right, and the wheel will turn."
