Fremantle has withdrawn key defender Brennan Cox from its WAFL-aligned side Peel Thunder for Sunday's Grand Final.
Cox was set to play in the decider at Optus Stadium for match fitness after spending the past few weeks recovering from a calf injury.
Now that the Dockers have qualified for next Saturday's AFL Grand Final, the club has decided to not risk Cox and keep him rested.
Fremantle general manager Joe Brierty announced the decision on Saturday.
“We want to give all our players the best week of preparation to be available for selection for next Saturday's game,” Brierty said.
“We believe withdrawing Brennan and giving him a solid training session today, rather than playing tomorrow, is the right call for Brennan and the club.”
Peel Thunder will face Claremont on Sunday as it hunts a fourth flag after a dominant season in the state league.
Cox is an important cog in Fremantle's backline, a defence which has looked shaky and easy to score against at times in his absence during the finals series.
The move indicates that Cox will almost certainly come into the side at the expense of another. Veteran Oscar McDonald looms as the most likely, but the Dockers will wait until later in the week to make the call.
Fremantle's decision will also depend on whether Brisbane or Hawthorn qualify for the Grand Final.
The Dockers secured a spot in the Grand Final after a brilliant and club record-breaking comeback against Sydney on the road at the SCG.
Fremantle will be hoping to make the most of its second trip to the Grand Final in its history and win its maiden premiership.
