Fremantle duo Matt Taberner and Harley Bennell could make their AFL returns this weekend - and that spells bad news for West Coast.
Bennell has strung together 10 WAFL games this season, including a 27-disposal, two-goal effort last Saturday.
The injury-plagued 25-year-old hasn't played for the Dockers since round 23 last year, but he now appears primed for an AFL return.
Taberner scored three goals in the WAFL last week in his first game since breaking his foot in round five.
The duo would be a welcome boost for the Dockers, who were hopelessly outclassed in Sunday's 59-point home loss to Hawthorn.
But it's not good news for West Coast, who are set to be without star forward Josh Kennedy again in Sunday's western derby.
The Eagles (13-5) are still a win clear of third spot despite their 40-point loss to North Melbourne in Hobart.
Kennedy missed that match because of soreness, and he appears unlikely to recover in time to face the Dockers.
But Luke Shuey (personal reasons) is expected to return.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon will assess Taberner and Bennell this week before making a decision on the duo.
The Dockers have struggled in attack without Taberner, while their midfield would benefit from the inclusion of Bennell, who seems to have gotten on top of his calf issues in recent months.
Lyon says it's important for his group to rebound from their disappointing display against Hawthorn.
The Dockers were held goalless from the 11-minute mark of the first quarter until the 22-minute mark of the third term.
"It1s an opportunity to make a statement about what you stand for as a player," Lyon said.
"We can help review, but they have to be their own best observers of how they play and give themselves the best feedback.
"If it starts coming internally and we support them, we are going to shift quicker as opposed to it just coming from us."
Premiership fullback Joel Hamling was moved to full-forward during the second half against Hawthorn.
Lyon hopes the unusual move was a good learning curve for his team, forcing other players to stand up in defence.
"We gave him a mental break. He was under siege," Lyon said.
"So (we) let him go and enjoy himself and put someone (else) under the pressure he's been under.
"That empathy piece, once you know what he goes through, we might use the ball better, we might chase and tackle and go harder."
