DESPITE missing 29 games since the end of 2006, Des Headland is still in Fremantle's best 18 players.

That's the opinion of teammate Luke McPharlin, who said Headland's inclusion for Saturday's clash with North Melbourne at Docklands had buoyed his side.

A knee injury ruined Headland's 2008 campaign and a calf complaint has stalled his start to this one, however, McPharlin hinted the 28-year-old midfielder could still be replaced in the final line-up.

"If he does end up playing, it will be on his terms and just see how the body goes," he said.

"It's a huge lift for the boys to have someone of his calibre coming back into the side.

"He's a very gifted player and when he's up and going the team looks much better for it.

"We certainly look forward to him coming back and hopefully in the coming weeks [he can] get a bit of touch and fitness back – back to the Des Headland of old."

McPharlin said Fremantle had spoken at training on Friday of the importance of victory, given its recent form and record at the venue.

Fremantle lost to Hawthorn last round but had won three on the trot before that – including a gritty triumph over Carlton on the Gold Coast.

"Seeing how even the competition is, apart from a couple at the top end, it can go any way really so we just have to keep on top of things," McPharlin said.

"We've had some good performances in recent weeks and have got a bit of confidence.

"We came over here and had a win on the road a couple of weeks ago and will look to continue that tomorrow."

McPharlin had little explanation for his side's drought at Docklands, which stems back to round 17, 2006.

He said his side needed to forget about how far it was from Subiaco Oval and what support it had in the crowd.

"We've got a young list that showed some real spark against Carlton up at the Gold Coast," he said. "It's just about keeping a consistency and a focus from week to week, regardless of where we play.

"You need to try to get those wins away because they're very important and hopefully consolidate wins back home as well.

"As one of the more elderly statesmen of the club these days, you can certainly feel the energy and enthusiasm from the younger boys," he added when asked about their influence.

"Guys like Stephen Hill and Nic Suban ... who have just come in and had an impact straight away. It keeps the older guys on their toes."

McPharlin, 27, is also adjusting to unfamiliar territory himself – a permanent role in the forward line to accommodate Chris Tarrant's move into defence.

He agreed Tarrant was now enjoying his football a lot more.

"He's just jumped at the opportunity to take on some of the best forwards in the comp," he said. "I think it's been going well. We'll continue to go along this vein as long as it continues to work.

"He's so fit, strong and fast – he's got all the attributes to be a great defender."