FREMANTLE star Nat Fyfe says he is right to play against Hawthorn this week, but admits the recovery for a possible Grand Final just eight days later could be a challenge if the Dockers win.

Fyfe has been battling inflammation of the left fibula since the round 21 win over St Kilda.

He has played just once since then, in the qualifying final win over the Sydney Swans, and has needed to manage his week-to-week training loads as well as wear a moon boot and walk on crutches at different stages to protect an injury that he described as "similar to shin splints."

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Fyfe trained lightly on Monday, participated in some stationary handball on Tuesday and said he would train on Wednesday ahead of this week's preliminary final.

But the Brownlow favourite said if the Dockers win against Hawthorn and qualify for their second Grand Final in three years, he could face a huge challenge to recover inside eight days. 

"That's going to pose a bit of a challenge," Fyfe said.

"But luckily we've got medical professionals who have considered all options and have got me in the best hands and should that happen, and hopefully it does, then we'll be ready to go again."

Fyfe is firmly focused on this week and said his leg is in good shape.

"It's been handy having the extra week," Fyfe said.

"There was always going to be a little bit of a response from playing but I pulled up quite well so I'm happy.

"No one is 100 per cent, but I'll be playing."

Fyfe has endured a horror run since he received a nasty cork in the round 15 clash with Hawthorn. He played rounds 16 and 17 but missed four of the last six rounds. He missed rounds 18 and 19 due to groin soreness and then suffered the lower left leg problem following round 21.

Fyfe said it had been frustrating but he accepted that was part of football.

"That's the nature of the game," he said. 

"You're never going to get through a whole season without a few bumps and bruises along the way. I guess I had such a fruitful start to the year without much injury concern that there was always this possibility lingering.

"But I'm still out and playing and able to contribute so it's not the worst case."

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The Dockers had a very light recovery session on Tuesday at Fremantle Oval.

Key defender Luke McPharlin appeared very briefly on the track for some kick-to-kick.

Fyfe said McPharlin remains unlikely to be available for the preliminary final.

"Luke's got some hurdles to jump through," Fyfe said.

"He's got the medical professionals around him, which will help him get there, and he's doing everything he can to get himself right to play at some point."

Fyfe said he was also glad he did not have to make the decision on whether to select tagger Ryan Crowley for his first game in 12 months.