Fremantle will weigh up whether or not to unleash Hayden Young into the senior side when the club hosts Western Bulldogs in Round 4.
Young hasn't been cited in 2025 due to persistent pre-season injuries, suffering two hamstring strains.
Dockers coach Justin Longmuir believes that the classy left-footer could play AFL on Sunday, but questioned whether that was the best decision in the long term.
"Youngy, we'll see how he goes through training," Longmuir said.
"Get through (training) and be confident. He's a hard one at times to bridge the gap between rehab and getting him prepared for AFL.
"We'll have a chat with the medicos to see the best progression for him is. I've got no doubt he can play.
"But we need to think longer term. I want to set him up for the best result across the year."
Injured ruckman Sean Darcy will venture onto a football field for the first time in 2025, with Longmuir confirming he will play in the WAFL.
Darcy, like Young, has struggled to get his body right in the past six months after multiple off-season surgeries on his ankle and knee.
"Sean's going to play WAFL. He won't train today on the basis that he did a bit of extra work earlier in the week.
"With what he's had to endure, he probably needs some footy to be able to get to AFL level, and we can manage that better at WAFL.
"He'll get some help down there (WAFL), there's a few talls so it'll be a good stepping stone."
Veteran midfielder Nat Fyfe is also pressing his case for an AFL recall after being ruled out of the opening weeks with knee soreness.
"He's real close," Longmuir added.
"Unfortunately, he pulled up sore this week, in that knee. So, at this stage, we won't see him at any level.
"I was hoping this wouldn't happen. We know it's not significant, but he may need a week off."
Longmuir said he isn't concerned by the aggravated injury, understanding that it could've happened as they increased Fyfe's training loads.
