FREMANTLE is hopeful Michael Barlow will be available for Saturday's clash against Geelong despite the star midfielder having minor jaw surgery on Monday.
Barlow was hurt in a marking contest during Sunday's 38-point win over North Melbourne at Patersons Stadium.
He had a minor procedure on his jaw but the club said he was still a chance to make the trip to Simonds Stadium.
"Michael is really upbeat and positive about getting back out and playing," general manager of football operations Chris Bond told the club's website.
"He will be at home recovering later today and, at this stage, we are not discounting the possibility of Michael being available to play this week or next week."
Barlow has been in hot form this season, averaging 27 possessions in 12 games.
Dockers coach Ross Lyon is optimistic midfielder David Mundy, who missed Sunday's win due to a minor calf injury, will be fit to take on Geelong.
Skipper Matthew Pavlich (plantaris) has returned to full training and is an outside chance to take on the Cats, while ruckman Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) is another who is set to come into the selection mix over the coming weeks.
A weekend of upsets has left Fremantle in the box seat to secure a top-four berth, but Lyon says it's too early to be jumping for joy.
Sydney's shock loss to Port Adelaide and Geelong's inexplicable final-quarter fadeout to the Brisbane Lions were dream results for Fremantle, who will surge into second spot if they can beat the Cats at Simonds Stadium on Saturday night.
Seven of Fremantle's remaining 10 games are against teams currently sitting outside of the top eight.
Fremantle stunned Geelong in last year's elimination final at the MCG, opening up a 51-3 lead midway through the second quarter before holding on for a famous 16-point victory.
Lyon predicted the Cats would be gunning for revenge.
The Cats enter the match desperate to get back on the winners' list after coughing up a 52-point lead in their five-point loss to Brisbane on Sunday.
