Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir acknowledged how difficult it was to tell Brennan Cox he would not be recalled for Saturday's Grand Final against Brisbane, but ultimately wanted continuity in his team.
Cox had overcome a calf injury sustained in Round 25 against Carlton, but made strong inroads in the past week, to the point where Longmuir pulled him from the WAFL Grand Final last Sunday.
The Dockers have used journeyman Oscar McDonald in his place, and ultimately went with the same line-up from last week's win over Sydney.
"He was close. Clearly close," Longmuir said on Friday.
"He was right to play some footy last week. We held him out of the WAFL Grand Final and gave him a good session by himself. He trained really well.
"We went with continuity and consistency of team, and we went with AFL match fitness. It was a really difficult conversation. More for him. There have been others this week where we've had senior players miss out on a moment they've been striving for for a long time.
"I understand the disappointment that sits with them. Nothing I say to him will make him feel better in the moment. But they're all really mature, great team players who got over their disappointments to give great energy to the team, and help prepare their teammates come 2:30 pm Saturday.
"Disappointing as it is, they've been rebounded and do whatever the team needs until the game starts."
Dockers captain Alex Pearce shared his devastation for close mate and fellow defender Cox.
"It was disappointing for Brennan," Pearce said.
"When he found it, we had a bit of a chat, and I gave him a hug. The thing with Brennan is he has such great character, and the first thing he said was, 'Don't worry, I'll still give to the group'. And that's what he's done.
"One of the great traits of Brennan is he's bubbly and the energy he gives. He's able to get through some nervousness, so having him amongst the group over these couple of days has been great.
"I know deep down how much he'd be hurting, but he's giving to the team and making us better still."
