Michael Barlow believes he is back to full fitness after being hampered through the first half of Fremantle's pre-season with a stress injury in his foot.

The experienced Dockers midfielder suffered the injury in Fremantle's qualifying final loss to the Sydney Swans.

He spent the lead-up to the semi-final against Port Adelaide in a moon boot but fought on admirably to collect 23 disposals and kick two goals in a 22-point loss that saw the Dockers bounced out of the finals in straight sets.

"It wasn't a complete break or anything it was a bit more of a stress reaction late in the season," Barlow said.

"The Port game I don't think helped, after running around on it for four quarters.

"I still remain adamant that if we were able to win that one I would've been able to keep going.

"Everyone at that time of year doesn't feel fantastic so you just wear the consequences once that final siren sounds for the season."

The consequences were that Barlow had to be inactive through the off-season and was carefully managed during the early part of pre-season.

"I probably put four or five kilos on there without being able to do too much exercise," he said.

"But [I'm] all cherry ripe now and moving forward.

"I'm doing as much as anyone else now. I'm not being held back much at all, which is pleasing for me."

Barlow is no stranger to injury rehabilitation.

It is more than four-and-a-half years since he broke his leg in horrific circumstances during his outstanding debut season at Fremantle.

The 27-year-old said he continued to get stronger each season.

"Basically for the last three years now I've been able to do a full leg program and running program," Barlow said.

"Just being able to do that continuously builds up your strength and your power."