Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe is a "real possibility" of returning to the field this season should the Dockers see their campaign continue beyond Saturday's semi-final against Collingwood.
Fyfe suffered a setback just days out from September, with the club confirming their veteran midfielder was continuing to battle with a hampered hamstring.
Fremantle weren't able to disclose a likely return date at the time of the setback, placing doubt over the 30-year-old's prospects of returning in 2022.
Having survived last week's elimination final against the Bulldogs, a win against the Magpies could see Fyfe make his comeback in the final two weeks of the season.
Dockers football boss Peter Bell revealed the club are "bullish" on Fyfe's chances of playing in the coming weeks should they advance.
"[He's] more than an outside chance," Bell said of Fyfe's potential to return this year onย 3AW.ย
"He had an exceptional session today where he did a really big session at good velocity and covered the ground really well.
"We're quite bullish about him being available, but obviously that is all predicated on us getting the job done.
"I'd say it's a real possibility."
Fyfe has played just the seven games this season after battling back and hamstring injuries, not featuring at AFL level until Round 13.
A hamstring issue was sustained in his side's Round 19 draw against the Tigers before returning four weeks later to face the Giants.
Fremantle will face Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday night, with the match to commence at 7:25pm (AEST).
