ROSS Lyon says Fremantle is not in a position to rest its star veterans Aaron Sandilands and Matthew Pavlich in the lead-up to September.
The Dockers have won four straight heading into their clash with the Brisbane Lions at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night. The Lions have not beaten the Dockers in their past five attempts and are coming off a 45-point loss to Greater Western Sydney.
The Dockers have already suffered significant injuries to key defenders Michael Johnson and Luke McPharlin.
But Lyon insisted there was no temptation, or need, to give Sandilands and Pavlich a break despite both men having played all 12 matches this season.
"I know that gets mooted a far bit but I think that's unlikely for us," Lyon said.
"Certainly we're not in a position yet.
"They're in pretty good nick. Aaron has missed a fair bit of footy over the last three years. Matthew missed a fair bit last year.
"They're saying to me they feel good. If they were to come to me and say, 'I'm struggling', we would listen. But it's not something we're in a position to do."
Lyon is a firm believer that there are no easy games in AFL football and this weekend's clash against the Lions is no exception. He has admitted previously that he feels physically ill before most matches he coaches.
"I always think we're going to lose, and that's how I prepare," Lyon said.
"We always plan for the best that the opposition can give. I've never rolled up to a game thinking we are going to win or smash anyone."
Lyon believes the Dockers are still a long way short of playing their best football despite winning four in a row.
"We've got plenty of improvement," Lyon said.
"At the end of the day I thought we played one good quarter on the weekend.
"We found a way. It was tighter than it probably looked."
Fremantle appears to have survived the win over Richmond unscathed as far as injuries are concerned.
Alex Silvagni copped a knee to the ribs but Lyon said scans had cleared him of any damage.
Stephen Hill suffered a slight cork but he trained fully on Tuesday. Danyle Pearce was subbed out having been struck down with an illness last week but also completed Tuesday's session.
Pavlich, Sandilands, and Chris Mayne were all on light duties but that is nothing unusual for those three players.
