FREMANTLE key defender Brennan Cox has given himself the chance to make a stunning Grand Final return after getting through an upbeat main training session on Wednesday in front of 3,000 fans.
Cox is pushing to make a fairytale return from injury in Saturday's decider at the MCG after recovering from a calf issue that struck in the final game of the home and away season on August 22.
The 28-year-old got through main training in fine style and ticked every box, completing match simulation and even going on a dashing run through the corridor.
He was on the 'B' team during match practice, but that can be common for key defenders to allow them to line up on the Dockers' star forwards, with Cox spending time on both Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss.
His preparation has been carefully planned to ensure he is available for Saturday's clash against Brisbane, with the Dockers withdrawing Cox from last Sunday's WAFL Grand Final to give him the best possible lead-in.
The 153-game defender was put through a training session with match-like loads on Saturday, helping him avoid a six-day break leading into a potential Grand Final call-up.
The key defender's body language was positive on Wednesday as the Dockers lapped up the Purple Army's encouragement, with diehard fans packed into Cockburn ARC Oval to watch the team's last session in Perth before Freo flies out on Thursday.
Key defender Oscar McDonald faces a nervous selection wait after playing the past eight games of the season, including every final, and impressing as a key defender in Cox's absence.
He copped a knock to the head against Sydney in last Friday night's preliminary final but is available and also got through Wednesday's main session, with the Dockers flying out for Melbourne on Thursday.
Retiring forward Sam Switkowski was given a massive applause from the fans as he ran laps with captain Alex Pearce, while Treacy and ruckman Luke Jackson were mobbed by fans during a signing session at the end of training.
Past Fremantle players were among the crowd on Wednesday, with Lee Spurr, Kepler Bradley, Nathan Wilson, Travis Colyer and Brandon Matera watching on from the stands.