Key defender Alex Pearce is listed as a test to return for Fremantle’s Friday night primetime clash with Richmond at Marvel Stadium.

Pearce has missed the past two matches with a calf injury, after being a late withdrawal from Fremantle’s win over St Kilda in round 17.

Executive General Manager of Football Peter Bell said he was confident Pearce will be able to put his hand up for selection against the Tigers.

“It’s really positive with his calf, and he had a great session on Sunday,” Bell said.

“He is listed as a test for this week, and we’re very confident he will be available.”

The weekend also marked the football return of Nathan O’Driscoll from a foot injury, with the Fremantle winger lining up for Peel in their win over Subiaco on Saturday.

O’Driscoll gathered 14 disposals and two marks on lesser minutes, in his first taste of competitive football since round eight of the AFL season.

“It was great to see ‘Driz’ back out there running around, and he got through his volume (of running),” Bell said.

“He did about 11km, and we will look to build on that and get him some more game time and get some continuity and form into him.”

Bell also provided an update on injured pair Sam Switkowski (back) and Joel Hamling (oblique), with hopes to provide a timeline on their returns next week.

“They also both had good sessions on the weekend and, hopefully, by this time next week we will be able to put a timeframe on their returns,” Bell said.

INJURY LIST
Alex Pearce (calf) – test
Sam Switkowski (back) – TBA
Joel Hamling (oblique) – TBA
Jye Amiss (kidney) - inactive