FREMANTLE has suffered a huge blow just hours out from its must-win elimination final against Essendon on Saturday evening.

Important defender Ash Brazill was withdrawn from the Dockers side on Saturday afternoon after failing to pass a fitness test due to an ankle injury. She was initially named in the playing side on Thursday night after missing week 10's match through the same injury.

She has been replaced in the selected side by Irishwoman Jo Cregg.

The Dockers finished fifth after a strong home and away season, earning a home final at Fremantle Oval.

Essendon, meanwhile, ended up eighth and faces an uphill battle away from home.

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Fremantle has overcome multiple challenges this year, and deserves favouritism for the clash.

The Bombers have battled injuries of their own in 2024 and will be without star forward Bonnie Toogood, with Emily Gough coming into their side.