Fremantle will have as many as four more players to pick from this week ahead of their must-win matchup against Brisbane, headlined by the likely return of key defender Brennan Cox.
Cox is joined by midfielder Will Brodie, forward Bailey Banfield and youngster Karl Worner in needing to prove their fitness ahead of Sunday's clash in what is sure to be a helpful boost for Fremantle's finals hopes.
The Dockers' in-form backline will be bolstered by Cox's expected return, with the South Australian having missed the last three matches with an ankle injury.
A similar ailment for Will Brodie has kept the fringe onballer out of action over the past month and a half, with the ex-Sun now eyeing a return at either AFL or WAFL level.
Banfield sustained a lacerated knee and has missed the past two matches, while Worner was sidelined with a calf injury following his AFL debut in Round 17.
The Dockers have confirmed all four players are expected to be available for selection this week ahead of their matchup with premiership contenders Brisbane.
“Brennan's been a little bit quicker than we first thought,” Dockers' high performance manager Phil Merriman said in a club update.
“It speaks to his professionalism and diligence to his reconditioning. That's a big win for us.
“All four are progressing really well, they've obviously got to tick the box of main training to be available for selection.”
The quartet of returning players will be eyeing a recall ahead of a crucial last month in the home and away season, with Fremantle likely needing a perfect finish to their season to make the top eight.
The Dockers currently sit two wins away from the drop off with four matches remaining, a period that will commence this weekend when they host the Lions at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Fremantle will then face West Coast, Port Adelaide and Hawthorn to conclude their home and away campaign.
