Fremantle head coach Justin Longmuir has confirmed that superstar Nat Fyfe is all but set to return to the AFL side this weekend.
The dual Brownlow medallist hasn't played at the senior level since Round 19 last season and spent the opening half of the season recovering from back and shoulder surgeries.
Fyfe made his first-ever appearance for Peel in the WAFL last weekend in a highly anticipated return for the star, finishing the game with 24 disposals and most importantly getting through unscathed.
Speaking to Ryan Daniels onย 7 News, Longmuir said that the Dockers were always planning on considering Fyfe's return after the sole WAFL appearance.
"That was the plan all along, to give him one WAFL game and then consider him for selection," he said.
"Barring any mishaps, he'll make his return this weekend."
After being questioned about what position Fyfe would play this weekend, Longmuir said the club will take the week to decide on his midfield-forward split.
"We'll work on the balance as the week unfolds," Longmuir said.
"Clearly he played a lot of time through the midfield at his WAFL game on the weekend, so his role will be a mixture of the two areas."
The Dockers coach also confirmed that small forward Sam Switkowski would come straight back into the side after serving a two-week suspension.
Longmuir said that key forward Matt Taberner (back) and young defender Heath Chapman (hamstring) were "long shots" to play this week, while Michael Walters (hamstring) is more likely to return.
The third-placed Dockers will face the Hawks at 4:10 pm (AEST) on Saturday at Optus Stadium and will be hoping to make it three wins on the trot as they chase a top-two spot.
