FREMANTLE has made 11 changes forecast earlier this week after Michael Johnson, Danyle Pearce, Chris Mayne and Jonathon Griffin all failed to travel to Adelaide with the Dockers' 23-man squad on Thursday.

Ross Lyon had forecast up to 11 changes following the win over Melbourne last week that secured top spot on the AFL ladder with one round remaining.

Lyon confirmed on Tuesday that Matthew Pavlich, Luke McPharlin, Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Stephen Hill and Lee Spurr would all miss Saturday's clash against Port Adelaide.

Dockers given green light to rest up to 11 players in final round

Cam Sutcliffe ran laps away from the main group at training earlier in the day and is also missing after dislocating his shoulder last week.

Johnson, who missed eight matches during the year with a serious hamstring strain, also ran laps on Thursday with the Dockers taking a cautious approach with the 2013 All Australian.

Lachie Neale is set to play despite playing every game this season and he said he had discussions with the fitness staff but decided it was best to play for a couple of reasons.

"I had a couple of discussions through the week with the coaching staff and we just decided that for me, playing through and continuing my footy was the best way to go," Neale said at Perth Airport on Thursday.

"Besides, mum probably wouldn't be too happy of if I didn't make the trip to Adelaide.

"I haven't played every game in a year since I've been at the club. It'll be the first time that it happens and I'm really confident in my body and the work I've done through the pre-season and previous pre-seasons has held me in really good stead."

Three players have been named for their AFL debuts against the Power.

Lyon declared highly rated draftee Connor Blakely was a certain starter on Tuesday, while Tasmanian midfielder Brady Grey is also travelling with the squad. He was an emergency a couple of times in 2014 after being recruited with pick No.58 in the 2013 NAB AFL draft.

Rookie Ethan Hughes, 20, has been named after being upgraded to the senior list in place of injured youngster Josh Deluca. Fellow rookies Jacob Ballard and Craig Moller were also upgraded on Thursday. Ballard, 21, travelled as the emergency.

Neale said the players were really excited about the opportunity to play with some fresh faces.

"We've got guys that have worked really hard in the WAFL all year and they get an opportunity this week," he said.

"It's an exciting time for the footy club and the younger guys especially. We're really looking forward to getting over there and playing against Port Adelaide.

"All we can ask from them is to play their role and give great effort. There will be times when they make mistakes and things like that but it's just about how they respond after that and focusing on the next contest."