Aaron Sandilands is no certainty to return against Geelong on Sunday at Simonds Stadium, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.
Sandilands has missed Freo’s past three games with a hamstring injury and has had extra time to recover with Fremantle coming off a bye.
But Lyon would not guarantee Sandilands’ return in Wednesday’s media conference, saying the veteran ruckman still had to get though training on Friday.
“Aaron’s aiming to get to the line, he’s got to jump a few hurdles and we’ll be able to make a final decision on Friday,” Lyon said.
Sandilands did not train with Fremantle’s main group on Wednesday, which Lyon said was not unusual for the 34-year-old.
“He’ll do his own stuff (on Wednesday), but Aaron normally does one session per week,” Lyon said.
“He normally trains the last session in the week.”
Lyon remained optimistic but cautious when asked if Sandilands was a more than likely chance to play.
“You could say that (Sandilands was likely to play), but they’re just words aren’t they?” Lyon said.
“He’s just got to hit his strength KPIs - the sports science guys don’t let you unleash them until they hit them.
“It’s close and they tend to make ground (late in the week), the next few days are going to be critical.”
Lyon also quashed any injury concerns around captain Nat Fyfe, who wore a chest plate in Fremantle’s round 12 clash with Brisbane.
“There’s no doubt (that Fyfe will play),” Lyon said.
“Nathan hasn’t had any conversations to me about him being sore. But clearly he’s had some bruising and that’s all it is.
“There’s no fractures, there’s just been some bruising.
“It’s not something I’ve engaged in him with and Nathan doesn’t like to make a fuss about it.
"I know he's led us really well."
