Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir doesn't think the Dockers will need to gamble at the selection table for the club to achieve their ultimate goal in September.
The health of star duo Hayden Young and Nat Fyfe has long been a narrative circling the Dockers as they make a push for a maiden premiership.
Fyfe announced during the week that he will retire at season's end, flagging the injury-related difficulties he has endured over the last five seasons, which have seen him play 43 matches.
As for Young, his 2025 campaign has been marred by persistent hamstring problems, but he is likely to return in Round 24.
And with finals on the line, Longmuir reveals his thought process behind the selection dilemma.
"They're the things you have to balance up this time of the year. Those two players, if they get through, they really help us. If they get injured, that's a risk you have to balance this time of the year," Longmuir said.
"Hopefully, Fyfey gets through another game this week. If Youngy comes back next week after only missing a couple of weeks and has a good week, they're good decisions to be had and discussions to be had at match committee.
"We're at the pointy end of the season and no selection's without risk this time of the year."
The two-time Brownlow Medallist recently returned to the senior side as the substitute in the Port Adelaide game and made an immediate impact in the 26 per cent game time.
It is a role Fyfe has become accustomed to, but Longmuir says he will not be limited to the substitute position.
"I think it (Fyfe's body) is able to hold up for a full game," he said.
"Maybe not this week, but going forward. We got some good minutes into him on the weekend, played a little bit more than he probably has in the past.
"We'll continue to look to build him, and if needed, he's there to play a full game. But having said that, I think he's one of the best subs in the comp, so he helps us in many ways."
Friday's blockbuster against Brisbane will ultimately lock away a finals spot for the Western Australian team and further their push for a top-four spot.
However, a loss to the Lions will place the Dockers among the chasing pack, and put a greater emphasis on the Round 24 clash with the Western Bulldogs.
