Jack Silvagni in a ruck contest with Lloyd Meek during Carlton's match against Hawthorn in R16, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

OUT-OF-CONTRACT utility Jack Silvagni will form a crucial part of Carlton's plan to topple Fremantle in a crunch clash between two sides desperate to keep their finals hopes alive.

After finding himself on the selection fringes through the middle of the season, Silvagni will step into the Blues' ruck breach for a second straight week with Tom De Koning and Marc Pittonet still sidelined by knee injuries.

There is doubt over whether Silvagni will remain at Carlton beyond this season and coach Michael Voss wasn't willing to shed light on the third-generation Blue's future when quizzed by reporters on Friday.

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But Voss backed Silvagni to play an important role against the Dockers' imposing ruck star Sean Darcy at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

"His performance (against Hawthorn last week) was really good," Voss said.

"He not only competed in the ruck but when he went forward he provided another option for us there and his work on the floor was really impressive.

"To see him in that sort of form was really pleasing."

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Match Previews R17: Fremantle v Carlton

Sportsbet's Felix Von Hofe and Matthew Richardson preview the game between the Dockers and the Blues at Optus Stadium.

Silvagni and key defender Lewis Young were beaten 61-27 in hitouts by Hawthorn duo Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves last week, but Carlton still managed to get on top in clearances (39-34) and was comprehensive 60-point victors.

The Blues' (6-8-1) second straight win kept them in the finals conversation ahead of the trip west to take on Fremantle (7-8).

They face another huge battle against a Dockers ruck brigade led by Darcy alongside key forward Josh Treacy and versatile tall Luke Jackson.

Fremantle recruit Luke Jackson chats to Sean Darcy during a training session on December 5, 2022. Picture: Fremantle FC

"They're pretty important to them and they can push forward and kick goals as well," Voss said.

"It's something that we're going to have to be across but I felt last week with SOS (Silvagni) and Youngy and the way they were able to compete in there gave our mids an opportunity on the floor.

"That's all we ask our rucks ever to do, no matter who's taking that post, is contain it as best we possibly can and let our mids go to work."

Carlton forward Matthew Cottrell has been recalled for the Fremantle clash, with Ed Curnow dropped to the emergency list alongside last week's substitute George Hewett.