NAT FYFE is set to return for Fremantle in next week's top-of-the-table Derby against West Coast, but the Dockers may be without key defender Luke McPharlin for the clash.
Coach Ross Lyon said Fyfe will play and key defender Michael Johnson could be added to the Fremantle side that comfortably accounted for St Kilda on Sunday by 37 points.
Fyfe has missed two weeks with a groin injury, and although Johnson has not played at any level since tearing his hamstring in round 10, Lyon said his work on the track had been impressive.
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"I think [Johnson's] a good option. He was super today, he trained this morning really well. The plan has been to bring him back this week regardless of whoever it was [we played]," Lyon said.
"We'll decide whether we bring him in through Peel [Thunder] or if we bring him in. That's a decision we'll make in the course of the week."
But the possible inclusion of the Brownlow Medal favourite and important defender could be offset by the calf injury to McPharlin.
The veteran was substituted out of the win over the Saints in the third quarter and had his calf iced after receiving a cork.
Lyon conceded the 33-year-old, who has had recent calf issues, might not be fit to take on the Eagles next Sunday afternoon at Domain Stadium.
"If you think you're corked, you'll probably be in some doubt. It's serious enough that he might miss, I'm not sure if I can elaborate much more," Lyon said.
WATCH: Ross Lyon's full post-match media conference
The round 20 Western Derby looms as one of the biggest contests between the fierce rivals, with the Eagles fighting to remain in the top two after Saturday night's loss to reigning premiers Hawthorn.
Fremantle has a 10-point gap over the second-placed West Coast, but Lyon said he was "no more" excited by the contest than any other game.
"I know it's going to be written up [but] from our end we just want to keep improving our footy. I've never really got caught up in the Derby," he said.
"I think what's important is the state does, the whole town does, all the media get caught up in it. We're excited about that, but internally we need to stay focused and prepare in the same manner.
"That's what we do every week, to be truthful. There's four games [before the finals] to improve our footy and that's just another one. We're in pretty good shape."
Lyon praised the efforts of developing tall Alex Pearce against the Saints after showing some exciting signs in attack, and was pleased with the performance of Alex Silvagni in defence.
It was Silvagni's first game for the Dockers this year but he was solid with 17 disposals and 10 marks.
"We've been under pressure with our tall back stocks all year," Lyon said.
"I don't think that's been glossed over, but it's not a sexy story to write."
