DEFENDER Roger Hayden is in doubt for Fremantle's clash with Essendon on Sunday after suffering a minor hamstring injury at training last week.

Hayden was a late withdrawal from the side that lost to the Western Bulldogs in round one and coach Mark Harvey said the 28-year-old was unlikely to recover in time to take on the Bombers.

With the side conceding 18 goals from turnovers against the Bulldogs and failing to hit targets when rebounding from defence, Harvey said Hayden's poise was sorely missed.

"From an experienced defender point of view, and when you've made a few changes in that area … you just need some experience down there," he said from Fremantle Oval on Wednesday.

"That was probably an area on the weekend where we just lacked … hence we had so many goals kicked against us."

However, Harvey confirmed captain Matthew Pavlich was not struggling with an injury – despite speculation he battled through round one with a knee complaint.

Pavlich wasn't his usual self against the Bulldogs, taking one mark and kicking one goal from his 20 possessions.

"It's been a topic of debate over the last few days – there's nothing wrong with Pav," Harvey said.

"Pav's a proud person and you will find he'll rebound quite quickly.

"His game was okay, but it wasn't up to his normal standard."

After playing Pavlich as a midfielder on Sunday, Harvey said he would consider returning him to the forward line.

"We probably need him in that area a bit more," Harvey said.

"[But] I think you'll find over last year when he did kick 60 to 70 goals, a number of those goals came from when he was playing in the midfield, not just as a forward.

"He's one of those unique guys that if you do play him in the midfield, he can kick goals whilst he's playing in the midfield regularly."

Harvey said he didn't want to unsettle the side early in the season, but forecast two changes for round two.

Utility Dean Solomon will come straight back into the side after serving an eight-match ban, while Harvey said Greg Broughton and Daniel Gilmore were under consideration.

Harvey added he would consider giving an extended run in the side to draftees Stephen Hill and Nic Suban, who both made their debut against the Bulldogs.

But Chris Mayne (ankle) and Des Headland (calf) are unlikely to return until round four.

Both ran on Wednesday morning and should train next week.