Fremantle could have up to four players make their AFL returns from injury as they prepare for Saturday night’s clash with Sydney at Optus Stadium.
Executive General Manager of Football Peter Bell said Alex Pearce, Blake Acres and Nathan O’Driscoll would all face fitness tests to return.
Heath Chapman is also firming for AFL selection after being one of Peel’s best against West Perth on Saturday after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Chapman had 23 disposals, five tackles and a goal against his former WAFL side in the Thunder’s three-point loss.
“Heath pulled up really well, and he performed well as well,” Bell said.
“He was in familiar territory up in Joondalup. He’ll press his claim this week for AFL selection.”
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Bell said that Acres and O’Driscoll were likely to play football at some level this weekend, with the Thunder taking on Subiaco on Saturday at Lane Group Stadium in Mandurah.
Acres last played in round 13 against Hawthorn and O’Driscoll in round eight against North Melbourne.
“They both attacked their reconditioning really strongly and we’re very positive that both of them will be available for selection this week,” Bell said.
Pearce is also a chance to return after being a late withdrawal due to calf tightness ahead of Fremantle’s round 17 clash with St Kilda.
“Alex completed cross training on Monday rather than a flush run,” Bell said.
“He will be assessed on Wednesday as to his involvement in main training, currently scheduled for Wednesday evening.”
Defender Joel Hamling is set for a stint on the sidelines due to an oblique injury.
“Joel picked up a peculiar injury, an injury to his oblique just through his side,” Bell said.
“At this stage we’re just assessing it but he will miss a couple of weeks at least.”
INJURY LIST ROUND 18
Alex Pearce (calf) – Test
Blake Acres (hamstring) – Test
Nathan O’Driscoll (foot) – Test
Jye Amiss (kidney) – Inactive
Joel Hamling (oblique) – TBA
Sam Switkowski (back) - TBA
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