FREMANTLE tall forward Matt Taberner is determined to narrow the gap between his best and worst performances in a bid to nail down a spot this season.

Taberner has shown glimpses during his 53-game, 52-goal career without finding the consistency required to become a Dockers regular.

But the 199cm big man took confidence from an encouraging finish to last year, and is eyeing the vacant forward-ruck spot in Ross Lyon's outfit. 

"I've had 50-odd games now in the AFL, so I think I have enough experience and know what needs to be done to get a performance," Taberner said. 

"It does take a few years if you come in with a pretty light frame like I did six years ago. 

"Now I've got to a point where I feel strong and capable to take marks and perform well. 

"In the AFL you can't have those (quiet) performances, even bad games you still need to contribute in some ways.

"It's about closing that gap and being consistent." 

Taberner's 2017 campaign was a rollercoaster. 

The 24-year-old started in the WAFL, but was called up in round seven and took seven contested marks and booted four goals against Essendon. 

However, his form declined to the point where he was soon dropped and forced to work his way back at Peel. 

Despite dominating for the Thunder – including a three-game stint averaging 25 touches, 11 marks and four goals - Taberner had to wait until round 21 for a recall.

But his hard-working performances in the last three games were a bright spot during a gloomy finish to the year for Freo, and he appears to have carried that form into 2018.

Taberner slotted three goals in the JLT Community Series against Adelaide and impressed during Sunday's scratch match win over West Coast.

"Going back to Peel I had to keep positive and have a strong mindset. You can't crack it, that won't do you any good," Taberner said. 

"I was still confident I could play good AFL football because I'd done it in the past. 

"I feel like going into the second half of last year I gained a bit of momentum with my own form.

"Not only in the AFL when I came back in, but also in the WAFL, which does give me a bit of confidence." 

With injury-ravaged Michael Apeness (adductor) sidelined for two weeks after another setback, the spot as a marking target in Freo's attack is Taberner's to lose.

The former rookie is expected to play in Sunday's final JLT Community Series clash with West Coast at Joondalup as the Dockers tune up for round one.

But there are serious doubts about Stephen Hill's fitness for the season-opener after he was ruled out of Sunday's clash due to his calf issue. 

It means Hill's only chance for match minutes before the trip to Port Adelaide would be in a Peel practice match on March 17. 

However, Fremantle hasn't put a timeframe on his return. 

Harley Bennell's return date is also unclear after he suffered another calf issue while on an eight-week club-imposed suspension.

Second-year backman Griffin Logue will miss one week with a foot injury but should be available for round one.