FREMANTLE defender Michael Johnson says he is on target to face Port Adelaide in round one as he continues his rehabilitation from back surgery.
The 30-year-old has been steadily rebuilding his strength since his season was cut short before the Dockers' finals campaign due to nerve damage.
Johnson, who returned to training last week, said he has avoided any setbacks in his recovery and the 2013 All-Australian is set to play two NAB Challenge games.
Fremantle's first pre-season clash is against Melbourne at Fremantle Oval on March 5, with the Dockers' season-opener against the Power not until April 5.
"I've spoken to a lot of specialists, I knew that if I can get my back up and going again and nice and strong and tick all the boxes through my rehab I would be back running with the team again," Johnson said.
"I had no doubt in the process that we had at the club. I'm pretty happy the way it's going. The fitness staff and physios are happy as well.
"Hopefully I'll get a couple of (games) in the NAB Challenge and then be ready for round one."
Johnson remains a critical part of the Dockers' premiership hopes, with the 190-game veteran part of Freo's ageing key position stocks alongside Matthew Pavlich, Luke McPharlin and Aaron Sandilands.
But Johnson shot down suggestions 2015 could be Fremantle's last chance at a premiership before some of the older stars retire.
"I don't think so. We have missed some of the key older players in the past in big games and the players that have come in and delivered," he said.
"You look at (Nat) Fyfe, (Stephen) Hill and Michael Walters, all young players that can turn a game and win the game off their own boot.
"I don't like relying on the older players, they are there for experience, but everyone's equal.
"You can see over the years whoever comes into the side delivers."
Johnson's recovery means he won't play in next Friday night's AFL Indigenous All-Stars clash against West Coast in Perth.
But he will help Aaron Davey coach the national Rio Tinto Footy Means Business squad in the curtain-raiser and assist with the bi-annual AFL Players' Association Indigenous camp from February 15-19.
"I'll be helping out Aaron Davey and Eddie Sansbury on the day, so hopefully I do alright for the boys," Johnson said.
"I'll be involved in the camp and then on game day I'll help coach these guys, then maybe help the All-Stars as well."
