REBOOTED Docker Shane Kersten could be called up as a defender if close mate Joel Hamling doesn't overcome concussion in time to tackle North Melbourne's dangerous tall forward line on Sunday.
Kersten, recruited from Geelong as a goalkicking option at the end of 2016, has been sent back this season in a bid to reignite his career – a la Carlton's Liam Jones.
The 25-year-old hasn't played for Fremantle since round one but was one of the few shining lights as Peel suffered a 92-point hammering from WAFL powerhouse Subiaco last Saturday.
Ironically, Kersten could make his senior comeback against the Roos as a defender, after sinking North with a last-minute goal in round five last year.
The Dockers are optimistic Hamling will be fit for their challenge shutting down Coleman Medal leader Ben Brown, Jarrad Waite and co. but Kersten is on standby.
"The feedback for him has been really good down there (at Peel), he's adapted to the role quite nicely," teammate Connor Blakely said.
"There's a few guys down there ready to go in the backline.
"They have a really good forward line, the guys like Jarrad Waite, Benny Brown, Mason Wood has come back as well, and Jack Ziebell, it's a really potent forward line.
"But we have guys like Michael Johnson, Alex Pearce, Joel Hamling, these sorts of guys, that will be able to combat them.
"If we nullify them and restrict their effectiveness, it should take us to victory, hopefully."
North boasts the stingiest defence in the competition but, at Optus Stadium, Freo has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 96 points on the fast track.
At 4-5, the Dockers need to protect their home turf to stay in touch with the top eight.
"We're pretty much at the halfway mark of the year now, it's definitely important to keep the wins coming," Blakely said.
"The home fans have been really good for us this year so far … once again it would be nice for everyone to come out."
Fremantle could unveil a sixth debutant on Sunday, with speedster Stefan Giro pushing his case at Peel and first-year running machine Mitch Crowden flagged for a rest.
"He (Giro) came in and made a pretty good stamp on the team with his run," Blakely said.
"I think he did really well in the time trial we had, so he's a really fit young guy.
"He works really hard, he's very diligent with his recovery and his training, so if he were to get the opportunity that would be great."
It has been revealed that Blakely has battled a similar knee ligament concern to the problem superstar Nat Fyfe is dealing with.
Blakely has played with the niggle for about 18 months and Brownlow Medal favourite Fyfe is "super confident" of pushing through.
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"It's a bit of a unique one. It's around that (tibia-fibia) joint and it hasn't really affected me during games," Blakely said.
"I get it strapped. I've been on top of it, and there's been no issues with it, I've been playing fine.
"It hasn't been affecting me physically or mentally, so it's all good."
