CONNOR Blakely is knocking the door down, but Fremantle coach Ross Lyon can't guarantee the versatile Docker will make his long-awaited return from a hamstring complaint against Richmond on Sunday.

Blakely has had a tough run with injuries, and hasn't been sighted at AFL level since a knee problem suffered at training ended his season after round 13 last year.

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After going down again in January, the strong-bodied 23-year-old picked up 20 touches in his WAFL return two weeks ago, before backing up with 31 and a goal in Peel's win over East Perth round.

But with the Dockers coming off a gritty 17-point loss in Adelaide, after two-straight wins, Lyon kept his cards close to his chest on Blakely's comeback.

"He's closer," Lyon said.

"He returned, he had another full game, he won a lot of possessions, so we'll take that to the match committee, we'll balance Connor's form and fitness up against that of the teams and its needs. 

"I haven't had a conversation with him today. I did see him yesterday, of course he's keen."

Many expected Blakely would need to be a key component of the midfield for Fremantle this year after Lachie Neale's departure, but the Dockers' engine room has been strong and they sit fifth on the ladder with a 4-3 record.

Aside from Blakely, Lyon has other selection calls to weigh up, including whether to pick Sean Darcy in the ruck.

Rory Lobb was beaten by Crows big man Reilly O'Brien last Sunday, and could return to a primary forward role, potentially forcing a reshuffle of an attack that has been dangerous but only managed five goals against Adelaide.

"That was a tough contest," Lyon said. 

"We were still strong in the contest, defended well, had entry opportunities, but we were disappointed – we've been able to score all year as we've needed to – but on the weekend we just couldn’t get that done.

"There were some valuable lessons as to why that occurred.

"Obviously, I don't want to share all of that, but we think we can improve that, and we need to improve that relatively quickly."

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At home, the Dockers are favourites to overcome Richmond, which has stars Trent Cotchin (hamstring), Jack Riewoldt (knee) and Alex Rance (ACL) headlining a long rehab list.

But Lyon warned against an ambush from the injury-hit Tigers, who are 5-2 from their recent Perth visits and relish trips west.

"Reece Conca has already spoken about how they like to travel. They like to come to Perth. They've got a really strong record here," Lyon said.

"We're expecting, for want of a better term, them to try and ambush us.

"They've had their backs to the wall, they've had injuries, they've got a really strong list, strong depth, they went interstate to South Australia when the world was against them and won a game (over Port Adelaide in round four) convincingly.

"It's going to be a fierce contest. Expecting them to be at their best."

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