Fremantle is hopeful that a groin injury to star midfielder Hayden Young isn't severe despite being subbed out in Sunday's win over Carlton.
Young's 2025 has been marred by persistent hamstring troubles that have limited him to six appearances.
The classy left-footer left the ground late in the first term, and was unable to return as coach Justin Longmuir conceded the latest setback wasn't ideal leading into the finals.
"We were hoping to get a bit of continuity with him, so touch wood it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said in the aftermath of the 27-point win.
"I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action. But when you miss as much work as he did over pre-season, and he's had repeat hammies, it puts you at serious risk when you come back.
"Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to buffer that stage that you need to regain full fitness, but also the resilience in his body."
Young has been in the wars for the past 18 months, suffering a fractured leg in the final round of 2024, as well as three hamstring injuries this year, including an 11-week stint on the sidelines after Round 8.
But as for his replacements, substitute Neil Erasmus made an immediate impact when coming on, finishing the game with 16 possessions and six tackles, while Luke Jackson and Jaeger O'Meara played more prominent roles in the midfield.
The lingering question regarding champion Nat Fyfe emerged once again after a stellar performance in the club's reserves.
Fyfe featured for Peel Thunder over the weekend as he overcame a calf injury. He collected 27 disposals, six tackles and four marks in limited minutes.
Longmuir stated he had ideas on how Fyfe could integrate into the team as the season approached September.
"I thought he was the best player on the ground for his 60 minutes. He only played 60 minutes, though, so we'll have a chat during the week," Longmuir said.
"He'll be involved in that and work out his next progression and whether there's a spot in the side.
"But we're running out of time in the season, and we need to put our best team out there to win next week … so we'll see what it spits out at selection."
