Fremantle defender Lee Spurr is facing a race against time to be fit for Friday night's clash against Richmond at Domain Stadium.
Spurr suffered a cork to his right leg in Fremantle's win over Adelaide last Saturday night.
Spurr had strapping on his lower leg as he jogged laps slowly away from the main group on Wednesday at Fremantle Oval.
Training report ahead of Richmond
Coach Ross Lyon said he would give Spurr right up until game time to prove his fitness.
"Lee Spurr is probably a bit slow, but we're still hopeful," Lyon said on Wednesday morning.
"He won't do much today. We'll probably give him a fitness test tomorrow.
"So he's got a little bit of time, maybe even day of the game for him. He's pretty important to us. It was just a severe corkie."
Lyon also said Luke McPharlin would be carefully managed this week coming off a six-day break.
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"We'll look after Luke McPharlin today, just as a precaution obviously with Zac Dawson having his operation yesterday," Lyon said.
"That went really well.
"So we'll just be really cautious with him and he'll do light duties, but he'll definitely play."
Dawson had a pin put in his thumb after suffering a fracture in his first game back in the WAFL last Saturday, which came after he'd spent all season on the sidelines recovering from groin issues that plagued him during the pre-season.
Alex Silvagni is still recovering from hamstring surgery, and while both key defenders are listed between six and eight weeks from returning to play, Lyon said it is possible they could return sooner depending on their recovery.
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Alex Pearce hasn't played in the last two weeks due to back bruising, but he trained fully on Wednesday.
Tendai Mzungu would appear to be the logical replacement for Spurr if the defender does not come up, although Lyon suggested Hayden Crozier and Matt de Boer were potential options if the Dockers restructure the side.
Lyon was unconcerned that Mzungu has not played a game in the last two weeks. After Peel Thunder had a bye in the WAFL a fortnight ago, Mzungu was the travelling emergency in Adelaide last week.
"It's not ideal but he's a running machine; he is our best runner really if we are putting it all on the table," Lyon said.
"There's not many who can out-run him with us or in AFL footy. He'll come in fresh and on the ground, if he comes in."
Lyon said he was expecting a tough challenge from the Tigers on Friday night, with Richmond on a three-game winning streak.
"They've adjusted their ball movement," Lyon said.
Match day information
"They were getting scored off turnovers heavily, so they're going a bit slower. A lot of short kicks, controlling the ball a little bit more, they get good run from behind and their forwards lead up really well. They are really good around the ball.
"We expect a big challenge."
Fremantle are aiming for a club-record 10th straight victory on Friday night in Michael Johnson's 200th game.
