Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich says he has finally shaken the worst effects of a hip injury that has plagued him for a number of weeks.
The injury had Pavlich subbed out of the round eight match against North Melbourne at Domain Stadium.
Over the following four rounds, the skipper was kept to just two goals.
In the past five weeks he has averaged 2.2 goals per game and appears to be moving more freely.
The six-time Doig Medallist disposal count has also risen to an average of 18 over the past four games.
Pavlich said the injury had caused prolonged soreness but most AFL players carried an injury during the season.
“I was sore for a number of weeks in a row,” he said.
“But that’s just an AFL season.
“In my 16th year I’ve come to appreciate that even more.
“The toll it takes on your body and if you play every week, undoubtedly, you’re going to play with some soreness.”
Pavlich said his body was now feeling much better.
“After 18 rounds, I feel the body is starting to really respond and hopefully I can continue on in the vein I have in recent weeks,” he said.
