Fremantle looks set to take two ruckmen into Friday night's blockbuster against Melbourne regardless of Rory Lobb's fitness, with Lloyd Meek on standby for the clash against the Demons.
Lobb got through main training on Tuesday but is awaiting the final tick off to return from a chest injury suffered against Sydney in round 18, with the important forward/ruck an onlooker at a light touch session on Wednesday.
Fremantle used swingman Griffin Logue as a back-up ruckman against Richmond last Friday night, but coach Justin Longmuir said more support would likely be needed against the Demons' premiership duo of Max Gawn and Luke Jackson.
"We've got Lloyd Meek who's in great form, (and) I think Melbourne are a team we probably need two genuine rucks against, so that's an option if [Lobb] doesn't get up," he said on Wednesday.
"He hasn't got the final tick off, but he's pretty close. Until the doctors come and say he's absolutely available, which they haven't done yet, there is always a little bit of doubt.
"He trained yesterday and got through enough in my eyes. I wouldn't read too much into what he did out there today."
Key defender Alex Pearce will be fine to face Melbourne after rolling an ankle last Friday night and playing through, with Longmuir forecasting "a couple of changes" as Nat Fyfe misses with a hamstring injury.
He was wary of Melbourne after a period of scrutiny for the reigning premier, which has lost five of its past eight games to now be vulnerable in the top four.
"I still think their best footy is as good as anyone," Longmuir said.
"I think they would admit they haven't been as consistent within games as they would like, but just to look at their win-loss is probably a little bit fraught with danger.
"They kicked 74 points in the first half last week (against the Western Bulldogs), which is dominant.
"We've looked at their best footy, and it hasn't changed too much. It's still going to be a real challenge for us.”
“That could be the case at the moment (Lobb for Fyfe), we haven’t finalised selection but there’s likely to be a couple of changes,” Longmuir said.
Amiss a sneaky chance for 2022 return
Gallery: The 3D anchor in action!
Round 23 locked in
Young's perfect 10
