Fremantle will be without All Australian defender Luke McPharlin, who hurt his quad in last Sunday’s Carlton Draught Derby.
Lyon said Silvagni was a proven performer and would come into the team for his first game of the season.
The senior coach was not concerned about the cohesion being interrupted in the backline.
“It’s a challenge but it’s nothing we haven’t done before,” he said.
“Alex Silvagni played in the final against Geelong on the biggest stage in Melbourne (in 2012) and stood up.”
Match Preview: Fremantle v Port Adelaide
Dawson was subbed out of that match with an ankle injury, and while he has not trained this week, Lyon said that didn’t rule him out from being selected.
“He doesn’t have to train today,” he said.
“It’s a bit like Michael Johnson or Luke McPharlin, they’re pretty important to us.
“Zac’s still working through recovery, he’s saying ‘I still want to have a go’.
“We’ll give him every possible chance.”
Lyon said Fremantle were not a one-man-band and had options in defence if Dawson was unable to play, including Chris Mayne, who performed strongly when swung into defence in the Derby.
“To me it was evident that he (Mayne) played well down there,” Lyon said.
“He certainly learned why it’s important to put forward pressure on, because it’s a lonely spot down there if you don’t.
“It’s great for us that we now understand he can do both roles.”
