It was not until Sunday morning that Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich declared himself fit for Sunday’s Carlton Draught Derby after battling achilles soreness this week.
 
The six-time All Australian was kept off the track ahead of the blockbuster against West Coast but was among Freo’s most potent forwards in the 24-point loss, with two goals and six inside-50s.
 
“I made the call this morning,” he said.
 
“I made sure I was ready to go.
 
“I was sore all week, but really I was fine to go.
 
“It’s a bit sore now but I just played a four-quarter game of football.
 
“I’m always sore but hopefully it improves this week.”
 
Pavlich, who has played in a record 32 derbies, said he never wanted to miss any football game.
 
“I always want to play in derbies.
 
“I always want to play…I never want to miss a game, if I can help it."
 
Fremantle failed to make the most of its 50 inside-50s, kicking 11.14.
 
Pavlich said Fremantle rued its missed opportunities.
 
“Outside of the first 20 minutes, when they really blew us away, we had a lot of opportunities,” he said.
 
“Our execution with the ball, dropped marks and fumbles was nowhere near our best footy.”