Fremantle recruit Luke Jackson is all but confirmed to make his Dockers debut against St Kilda in Round 1, while several of his teammates are also looking to overcome injury concerns to make the trip to Melbourne.
Jackson was sidelined for Fremantle's recent pre-season matchup with Port Adelaide due to a concussion concern, with the Dockers taking a cautious approach and resting their new star.
The young tall, who made the move from the Demons in the off-season, has been locked in to play in his new club's season opener despite the recent head knock.
Star defender Luke Ryan (back), forward Michael Frederick (quad) and Michael Walters (Achilles) also missed last week's hitout due to respective ailments.
Fremantle football boss Peter Bell said the trio, along with Jackson, should be fit to face the Saints at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, March 19.
"The short answer is we're expecting they all should be available," Bell told SEN.
“Luke Jackson definitely will (play).
“Luke Ryan's been struggling a little bit with a sore back, but his signs are good.
“Michael Frederick we're very confident will be available and Michael Walters as well.
“It will just be a matter of what sort of volume have we got into 'Sonny' (Walters) particularly, and what's the best course to set him up for what is a long season."
A recent foot issue has prevented Nathan O'Driscoll from enjoying a full pre-season ahead of his third season in purple, with the young midfielder set to require more game time with Peel Thunder through their upcoming pre-season schedule.
O'Driscoll isn't seen as a certainty to face St Kilda next week as he continues to battle with the injury.
“Nathan's just coming to hand with a bit of a hot spot in his foot,” Bell said.
“He played a half in the Peel match sim last week, so we'll look to build him as well.”
One player that is building a case for selection is young forward Liam Henry, who found minutes hard to come by in 2022 to play just the seven matches at AFL level.
Bell said Henry has impressed coaches in the lead up to Round 1, placing himself in selection considerations.
“He's had a really good pre-season, Liam,” Bell said.
“He's got some really strong attributes as an AFL player. Probably with Liam, and he'd be aware of this as well, it's just consistently being able to get that role down exactly how the coaches would like it to be played.
“But he's had a strong pre-season and has certainly put forward a compelling case for selection at this stage.”
Fremantle will open their home and away campaign when they travel to Docklands to face St Kilda.
