FREMANTLE captain Matthew Pavlich must get through training on Thursday in order take his place in the line-up for Saturday's crucial clash with Port Adelaide, coach Ross Lyon says.
Pavlich was a late withdrawal from last Sunday's win over the Brisbane Lions. The six-time All Australian was stripped and ready to play when he experienced some tightness in his quad late in the warm-up.
Lyon believes the skipper is on track to return this week but stressed he had to complete training on Thursday to be named in the side.
"He's moving in the right direction," Lyon said.
"He should train tomorrow. If he doesn't train tomorrow, he won't play. And if he does train, he will play."
Lyon ruled out midfielder Michael Barlow from an early comeback from his broken thumb.
Lee Spurr was subbed out of the 58-point win over the Lions during the third term and had ice applied to his right thigh but Lyon said he was a certainty to play.
Fremantle are already without Nat Fyfe (suspended) and Luke McPharlin (calf strain).
One major concern for the Dockers is their record coming off six-day breaks this season.
The Dockers have lost five out of six matches after six-day breaks including their staggering 58-point loss to St Kilda in round 18.
Fremantle has to deal with a six-day break and a flight back from Brisbane this week in preparation for the clash with Port Adelaide that will decide which team gets the double chance in the finals.
But Lyon said the record off six-day breaks is irrelevant.
"It would be if the past counted," Lyon said.
"But I've got a strong philosophy that the past is irrelevant. It's what you do today and tomorrow that counts. I wouldn't have thought it's a concern, no."
The importance of this week's match is not lost on the Dockers. No team has won the premiership after finishing the home and away season outside the top four since the current finals format was introduced in 2000.
"(It's) self evident," Lyon said.
"You would rather finish fourth than fifth. You would rather have a double chance than not."
