FREMANTLE'S defence has been handed a blow with Luke McPharlin ruled out of Saturday's clash against Port Adelaide, while Zac Dawson remains in doubt.
McPharlin suffered a quadriceps injury in last Sunday's win over West Coast with Lyon confirming on Wednesday night the 32-year-old would not fly to Adelaide.
Dawson has been on crutches for most of the week after being substituted out of the Western Derby with an ankle injury, and missed training on Thursday morning.
He will however be given the chance to prove his fitness on Thursday afternoon before the team flies out.
The confirmation is that Luke won't play this week," Lyon told Channel Seven Perth.
"Zac is still a test, he's trying to get up."
The loss of McPharlin will open the door for defender Alex Silvagni to return to the side to face a dangerous Power forward line, which includes Coleman Medal leader Jay Schulz and Justin Westhoff.
