FREMANTLE star Matthew Pavlich will not play against Hawthorn this week in Launceston as the Dockers stick with their pre-season plan of resting him for the round eight clash.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said the veteran former skipper wouldn't travel to Tasmania as part of a plan to manage him through his 17th AFL season.

"We've already made a decision we won't take him to Tassie this week," Lyon told Channel Seven on Tuesday night.

"We'll freshen him up for the home game next week against Richmond. That was part of our pre-season planning, so we'll stick to that and give another player another opportunity."  

Pavlich, 34, has kicked 10.15 and averaged 13 disposals and four marks across the first seven games this season.

He needs to play just eight more games to become the first Docker to play 350 AFL matches.

Lyon said there was no thought of Pavlich retiring before the season is out.

"I wouldn't have thought so," Lyon said.

"We have constant dialogue. He's in really good form, bar his finishing."

Lyon said he was pleased experienced midfielder Danyle Pearce had signed a two-year contract extension on Tuesday.

He also said he was not worried about the contract status of Lachie Neale or the possible pursuit of gun Melbourne key forward Jesse Hogan and said he was more concerned about improving the Dockers' football.