THE PROSPECT of rain in Melbourne at the weekend has convinced Fremantle to drop ruckman Jon Griffin for Saturday night's elimination final against Geelong at the MCG.
But key defender Alex Silvagni has received a finals lifeline, recalled for just his fourth game this season to replace backman Luke McPharlin, who will miss two to three weeks with a hamstring injury.
Silvagni got the nod ahead of retiring veteran Antoni Grover, who remained in Perth, while Kepler Bradley was named as support for ruckman Aaron Sandilands.
Midfielder Matt de Boer returns from an ankle injury, while emergencies Zac Clarke, Dylan Roberton and Cameron Sutcliffe were part of a 25-man squad that flew out of Perth on Thursday afternoon.
Griffin and Sandilands combined well against Melbourne last Saturday night, but stoppages coach Mark Stone said Fremantle needed more mobility this week.
"It is unfortunate for Jon, but we just think there's a chance of a shower, and it's a night game," Stone said on Thursday.
"We don't want to get caught too big, so we've gone for a bit more mobility with our selections.
"We'll take a full squad just to cover off all bases just in case anything happens between here and the game."
Silvagni, who has been in strong form with WAFL club Claremont, has battled for opportunities this season and last played in round 14 against Collingwood at the MCG.
Fremantle considered using versatile defenders Michael Johnson and Adam McPhee in lockdown roles this week, but Stone said Geelong's tall forward line meant another key defender was required.
"They're big challenges, (Tom) Hawkins, (James) Podsiadly, (Nathan) Vardy and (Trent) West," Stone said.
"We know [our key defenders] are going to have to win some one-on-ones.
"[Silvagni] is strong and he can body up and defend that way (and) he's been consistent throughout the year in terms of his playing time.
"We think he's played a number of games for us in the past and come in and done the job and the role asked of him so we think he can do that again."
Bradley missed Fremantle's 61-point win over the Demons last round after suffering two head knocks against North Melbourne in round 22.
De Boer also missed one match with an ankle injury and replaces first-year midfielder Tom Sheridan this week.
Stone said captain Matthew Pavlich, who has been hampered by leg complaints, trained on Thursday morning as planned and would be fit to face the Cats.
He said pressuring the ball carrier against Geelong and forcing turnovers would be a key to Saturday night's match.
"Their trademark is their ball use and their slick kicking skills and they're fast with the footy ... they're in pretty good form," Stone said.
"We've got to take our opportunities if they present in front of goal and make sure we kick straight."
Nathan Schmook covers Fremantle news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
