FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon flew to Melbourne early on Friday to scout possible finals opponents Hawthorn and Collingwood at the MCG.
The Dockers coach was scheduled to give a press conference at Perth Airport on Friday afternoon but left early, leaving football manager Chris Bond to speak to the press ahead of Sunday's clash with the Demons.
"He only just left about an hour or so ago just to have a bit of a look at that game," Bond said.
The Dockers welcome back midfielder Stephen Hill for the Melbourne clash at the MCG after the 23-year-old was a late withdrawal from last Sunday's win over the Giants with hamstring tightness.
"He's been able to do all the training so were really pleased he’ll be at full strength and really be able to get these next few games in before the finals," Hill said.
There are some concerns over the fitness of Garrick Ibbotson after the versatile defender was left out for the third straight week with Achilles soreness.
Bond said the injury wasn't serious but it was concerning.
"Third in a row is not great for us," Bond said.
"We're expecting him to be able to have a full week at training next week and hopefully get back next week."
The Dockers are also still missing All Australian defender Luke McPharlin.
Bond said that McPharlin is on track for a return in round 23 after he tore a calf against St Kilda six weeks ago.
"Luke's going well," Bond said.
"He's still on schedule to play in the next couple of weeks. He's stepped up his training and we're hoping we'll see him a bit more out on the track next week."
Bond was unfazed that McPharlin might only play one match before September.
"I don't think there's a big issue with that with Luke," he said.
The Dockers play at the MCG for just the second time in 2013 on Saturday having lost there in round 17 to Richmond.
They are two wins from four outings at the ground under Ross Lyon but before that the club had lost its previous 10 matches at the venue.
"It's great for our young group to be able to experience the MCG," Bond said
"We don't get to play there very often and I know the guys are really looking forward to it.
"Last time we played there we didn't get the result so we need to make sure we do Sunday."
