FREMANTLE star Nat Fyfe is still battling a corked quad but is set to travel and take on Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.
Fyfe suffered the cork against Hawthorn a fortnight ago in a controversial incident that saw Sam Mitchell receive a fine from the Match Review Panel.
The overwhelming Brownlow Medal favourite battled through the cork and a tight tag last Saturday night against Carlton and coach Ross Lyon said he had struggled to train freely in the lead up to the game.
At Fremantle's last main session before travelling to Melbourne on Thursday Fyfe spent time away from the main group doing some light mobility work and stretching.
He had his quad strapped again and did some stationary kicking with defender Lee Spurr, who was also not moving all that freely and had some strapping on his left calf.
While Lyon said earlier in the week Fyfe is a certainty to play, he did confirm the Dockers will fly 25 players to Melbourne with all three emergencies on standby.
The Dockers will have at least one forced change after forward Hayden Ballantyne was ruled out for the rest of the home and away season due to a torn pec.
Lyon said on Thursday that Ballantyne's surgery went well this week but there was no exact timeframe yet on his recovery.
"There were some things that went to our advantage in that it was a really clean tear," Lyon said prior to training.
"The reattachment went really, really well. There wasn't a lot of damage.
"The surgeon said, 'we'll allow you back in a minimum period of time'. So we're really optimistic. But again, you've just got to let it run its course."
Lyon said Hayden Crozier was the obvious replacement for Ballantyne after starting as the sub last week but the next spot would depend on team balance.
Fremantle is seeking revenge against Richmond after the Tigers stunned the Dockers with eight first-quarter goals on their way to a stunning upset in the round 10 meeting at Domain Stadium.
Lyon has not revisited that game but said the Dockers were well aware of the challenge the Tigers present.
"There were a couple of simple things that they did," Lyon said.
"But all teams do those things every week. It's whether you handle it or don't handle it. Clearly they were very good. They're bordering on being a great team, Richmond.
"Their midfield is elite. They've got (Trent) Cotchin, (Brett) Deledio and (Dustin) Martin, who was the best player on the ground (in round 10).
"They're a pretty significant challenge, but a challenge we accept."
Suspended veteran Ryan Crowley is set to return to training next Tuesday but Lyon said nothing changes from his perspective given he is unavailable to play for another two months.
