NAT FYFE says the return of three-time All Australian ruckman Aaron Sandilands is vital for Fremantle in its run home to the finals. 

The veteran ruckman missed the Dockers' round 18 clash with St Kilda due to back soreness. The Dockers were belted by 58-points at Etihad Stadium to end a streak of eight consecutive wins.

Sandilands has had an outstanding year, averaging 38.9 hit-outs and 13.1 disposals in his 16 matches.

Fyfe is delighted that the Dockers' man mountain will be back to face Carlton on Thursday night at Patersons Stadium.

"I'm pretty stoked to have him back," the midfielder said on Tuesday.

"Jon (Griffin) and Zac (Clarke) really compete for us, but we know Aaron can give us that first use of the ball, and we can really dictate and set up around that.

"And his around the ground work, his follow-up pressure, is vital. He becomes another midfielder for us."

The Dockers are certain to welcome back Sandilands, Hayden Ballantyne, and Stephen Hill this week.

Garrick Ibbotson is also a chance as coach Ross Lyon mooted he could make up to six changes following the loss to the Saints.

Luke McPharlin trained on Tuesday to allay any fears about his niggling calf injury.

Fyfe said the team had a robust review following the loss to St Kilda.

He said the timing of the bye was not ideal given the nature of the loss, however it has given the team a chance to freshen up.

"The players had a long period of time to stew over what happened," Fyfe said.

"Coming off a loss like that it's not a great thing. All the players would have loved to have strapped the boots on and get straight back out and redeem themselves.

"But physically, I know I felt really fresh training today. I'm sure the guys will really pop come Thursday night."

Fyfe believes the side is in good shape heading towards another September campaign and does not think the loss to the Saints has rocked their confidence

"I think we're in reasonable shape," Fyfe said.

"The important part about this time of the year is to be playing good footy and to have a good, healthy list. I think we are heading towards both of those things.

"Obviously the game against St Kilda was a bit of a speed hump. 

"But we're confident that our best footy is good enough to get it done. And the players certainly know how crucial the next five-week window is to the rest of our season."