Fremantle are heading into Round 8 eager to improve on their so far disappointing season, with a match against the 17th-placed Hawks looming.
The Dockers have been under plenty of pressure with a 2-5 record on the board, with senior coach Justin Longmuir conceding the side has plenty to improve on.
Nat Fyfe's return remains uncertain ahead of Saturday's clash. The dual Brownlow medallist hasn't played since Round 1 this season after being sidelined with a foot injury, with the club now weighing if the 31-year-old should return straight to the senior side or through the WAFL.
Speaking to media ahead of Round 8's clash against Hawthorn, Justin Longmuir conceded that Fyfe had "significant" work to do before he could be considered at the selection table.
"No decision yet," Longmuir said on Fyfe.
"It's a pretty significant hurdle he needs to get over at training today, it's an important session for him.
"We'll discuss his pathway back after he gets through training."
Michael Frederick is also a chance to return from an adductor injury after missing Round 7. The 22-year-old was originally listed as likely to miss 3-4 weeks with the injury, but has made a strong recovery.
"He's a chance, he also needs to get through training but it's looking pretty positive," Longmuir said.
Fremantle will be hunting their first win since Round 5 this weekend, with Hawthorn heading into the round with just one win on the board. While the coach has admitted there is work to be done for his side up forward, he isn't underestimating the lowly Hawks.
"I've been really impressed with their contest and pressure over the last 3-4 weeks. They've been competitive so I've made it clear with our players that we need to be at our best," Longmuir said.
"We've got a lot of inexperience down there. It's a work in progress and it's going to be a decision to see if we need an extra tall.
"We're probably handballing a bit more than last year and trying to take the game on a bit. The pressure losing clearance puts on your ball movement is significant so we need to start maximizing Sean's hitouts and gaining field position."
Fremantle will host Hawthorn at Optus Stadium on Saturday, set to get underway at 7:30pm AEST.
