Justin Longmuir has confirmed that Alex Pearce will need to play at least one game for Peel in the WAFL before earning AFL selection.

The senior coach is reluctant to rush the key defender’s return with Pearce recently recovering from an ankle injury in the pre-season and then a knee injury after coming off in round one.

Unfortunately for Pearce, any comeback will be delayed by an extra week as Peel have a bye this weekend.

“Alex Pearce needs a game at Peel before he’s available for AFL selection. He’ll be probably a couple weeks away,” Longmuir told 7NEWS.

Longmuir said Fremantle were hopeful of having both midfielder Adam Cerra and forward Sam Switkowski back against Essendon, while Luke Ryan will be one more week away.

“Luke Ryan’s calf has come on a little bit slower than we’d hope or expect. He’ll be touch and go,” Longmuir said.

 “Cez (Cerra) is going to be really close this week along with Sam Switkowski. We’ll hopefully get a couple to return.”

Defender Reece Conca has also been given the green light to play after experiencing tightness in his hamstring in round eight against Brisbane.

“Reece looks like he’s escaped injury,” Longmuir said.

“He got a little bit tight in that hammy in the first half but managed to play out the game. He should be right.”

Longmuir rebuffed suggestions that Michael Walters was struggling with his form, saying the experienced forward / midfielder had been playing a team role in recent weeks.

“I’m happy with the way he’s going, he’s building nicely,” Longmuir said.

“I thought he was our best player in the first half in the RAC Derby. He was a bit quieter on the weekend.

“He’s playing really selfless role for the team. His fitness is improving after missing the whole pre-season. I think he’s been building.”

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