Fremantle speedster Stephen Hill says the week's rest heading into the finals series has been beneficial to freshen up his body and mind.

Hill was one of 12 players who did not play in round 23 against Port Adelaide as the Fremantle Dockers took the opportunity to give their core players a rest before the qualifying final against the Sydney Swans at Domain Stadium on Saturday. 

Eight players had played all 21 games prior to last week and four of them - Hill, David Mundy, Danyle Pearce and Aaron Sandilands - were rested.

Hill told AFL.com.au it was a worthwhile move.

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"I think it's pretty important," Hill said.

"It's a long season and I think a lot of the guys have played most of the games this year. It does help freshen up the body a bit and mentally as well.

"Hopefully the guys come off a good break."

Hill was also one of the players rested in round 23, 2013, ahead of the qualifying final against Geelong at Simonds Stadium.

He was hugely influential in getting Fremantle across the line in that game. He gathered 21 touches and kicked two goals in the second half, including the sealer that confirmed the Fremantle Dockers would host their first home preliminary final.

He said adjusting to the pace of the game early was the only issue coming off a break.

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"Sometimes if you do miss a week, in the first five minutes you might be just be getting used to the tempo a bit but after that you're pretty much straight back into it," Hill said.

"The strength and conditioning guys prepare you pretty well to keep that fitness and you don't lose it too much in that week. It's more just freshening up that helps."

Hill will play his 150th game in Saturday's qualifying final. He has enjoyed one of his best seasons, averaging 24 disposals and kicking 16 goals. On Tuesday he was selected in the All Australian 40-man squad for the first time in his career.

While he has spent the majority of his career on the wing and in the midfield he has spent more time this year across half-back as coach Ross Lyon has looked to use his rebound run and sublime foot skills.

He has spent time up forward later in the year and kicked multiple goals in four different matches.

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Hill said he has enjoyed the variety.

"It's been good to be able to play a number of roles," Hill said.

"I think it's good with the team, that flexibility. You've got to be able to switch roles at times. I guess it helps my footy as well.

"I've found the year to be pretty consistent for myself. I've been pretty pleased but I still have a lot of improving to do."