MICHAEL Walters is likely to return from his serious ankle injury this week but Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says he will play in the WAFL.
Fremantle's leading goalkicker in 2013 has not played since dislocating a tendon in his ankle in round three. It was initially feared that Walters' season was over but following surgery and a successful rehabilitation program he has been running for a number of weeks and is ready to play.
But Lyon told 6PR on Monday night he did not want to risk him first-up against Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Saturday night.
"Michael Walters will be available for selection," Lyon said.
"We think he'll play WAFL. We're not going to throw him to the wolves."
Just when the Fremantle coach thought he was getting a full complement of players back, two more injury issues have surfaced. Tendai Mzungu suffered a low-grade hamstring injury against Carlton last Thursday night and has already been ruled out of the trip to Geelong.
Matthew Pavlich was subbed out of the win over the Blues with concussion. He reportedly suffered some side effects initially but it is understood he has responded better in the past two days.
The skipper will need to pass a concussion test to play and Lyon said the equation is simple.
"If he's available he'll play, if he's not he won't," Lyon said.
"It's pretty simple. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it."
The Dockers have a number of players putting their hands up after strong showings in the WAFL. Anthony Morabito (31 disposals) and Colin Sylvia (23 disposals and two goals) both responded well after being dropped.
Hayden Crozier had 30 touches and kicked two goals in Peel Thunder’s 65-point win over Perth and Matt Taberner had 20 touches, took nine marks, and kicked two goals. Taberner would be the logical replacement for Pavlich if he were to be ruled out.
Max Duffy was another who impressed in the WAFL with 25 disposals and three goals. Duffy played in the NAB Challenge this year but he is yet to make his senior debut.
"He played very well (in the WAFL)," Lyon said.
"(He's an) excitement machine really. His power running and speed, we want some speed in our team, so he's quick."
Lyon said his side was well aware of the task in front of them over the next month with matches against Geelong, Hawthorn, the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide to finish the home and away season.
"We want to stand up," Lyon said.
"There's an expectation this time of year we stand up. My players and our club are under no illusions as to the expectations."
