Fremantle High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said defender Brennan Cox could be available for selection in Fremantle’s clash with Richmond this Saturday night, after spending the last two weeks playing for Peel in the WAFL.

Cox last played for Fremantle in round one when he sustained a hamstring tendon injury and could add further experience to a side without key defender and captain Alex Pearce.

“(Cox) completed the game at Peel (last week) and he’s got to get through this week of training to be available for selection in the AFL,” Merriman said.

Veteran forward Michael Walters will also be a chance to play this week, after progressing through his rehab as planned.

“He’s progressed really well through his hamstring rehab,” Merriman said.

“(He has to) get through this week, and he will be available for selection.”

Merriman was pleased for key forward Sebit Kuek, who, after spending nearly a year on the sidelines, has officially moved from the Club’s Inactive List (injured) to the Rookie List.

“Sebit is up and about as you would expect,” Merriman said.

“He will be (one to) get through this week and be a test to play.”

Winger Nathan O’Driscoll could look at a return to football too, after spending a considerable part of this season on the sidelines.

“It's great to see Drizzy back, he’s going to come back and provide a lot of run,” Merriman said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him back, (he just has to) get through this week.”

Skipper Alex Pearce is inching closer to a return, following the left forearm fracture he sustained during the round 15 win against Gold Coast.

“(Alex is) going well, he got the cast removed today,” Merriman said. 

“He’s doing everything in his power to get back as soon as possible, but we’re looking at one to two weeks.”

In other positive news, forwards Cooper Simpson and Tom Emmett will both be tests to return to football this weekend.

“Coop had a low-grade hip flexor injury – it was a bit of a conservative call, but we’re a no risk policy with Coop considering his age. He will be a test to play this week,” Merriman said.

“Tom Emmett had a knock to his elbow. He got it stitched up against West Perth and it didn’t quite come up the following week, but he will be a test to play.”

ROUND 17 INJURY LIST
Michael Walters (hamstring) – test
Nathan O'Driscoll (knee) – test
Sebit Kuek (knee) – test
Max Knobel (calf) – test
Cooper Simpson (hip) – test
Tom Emmett (elbow) – test
Alex Pearce (arm) - 1-2 weeks
Ollie Murphy (abdomen) – 5-7 weeks
Oscar McDonald (knee) - 7-8 weeks
Josh Corbett (hip) - season