Fremantle coach Ross Lyon believes it is unlikely for returning midfielder Connor Blakely to come straight back into the senior side this weekend.
Blakely is yet to play a game for the Dockers this season, following a high-grade tear in his right hamstring in January.
The midfielder has been training hard in recent weeks, but Blakely might have to wait another week for his return if Lyon's words are anything to go by.
"When you're winning it means people are in form, it's a very tough spot to get into," Lyon said at a press conference.
"It's more unlikely than likely, but he's conditioned to be able to play if we need him."
Asked if a return via the WAFL was more likely for Blakely, Lyon conceded "It's not fully decided, but more likely."
Should that eventuate, the 23-year-old will miss Freo veteran David Mundy's 300th game for the club against the Western Bulldogs.
In more positive news for the Dockers, forward Cam McCarthy is extremely likely to return to the fold for this weekend's game.
Provided he trains later this week, McCarthy will be primed for a return to the forward line to bolster Fremantle's stocks in attack.
The 24-year-old missed last week's win against his former club GWS after contracting a virus.
McCarthy kicked 10 goals in the first four games of the season, including a bag of five in round one against North Melbourne.
Lyon and his coaching staff will also need to bring someone in to fill the void of Taylin Duman, with the Dockers youngster receiving a one-game suspension following his strike on Lachie Whitfield last weekend.
"It's disappointing to lose Taylin, he learns a lesson," Lyon said.
Fremantle currently sits third on the ladder, and will be looking to prolong their strong start to the season with a win against a struggling Bulldogs outfit on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.
