The four-man race among Fremantle Supplemental Selection Period train-on talents is heating up just over a week out from the window's signing deadline.
As revealed byย Zero Hanger this week, former St Kilda wingman Daniel McKenzie remains in contention for a list spot at Cockburn despite suffering a minor hamstring strain over the weekend.
The setback has seen McKenzie stay in Western Australia instead of heading to the Gold Coast for a planned training stint with the Suns, with Fremantle keeping the 27-year-old within their program until the SSP training deadline.
While McKenzie has been forced to train with the Dockers' rehabilitation group, the club's other three SSP contenders continue to go head-to-head with the main contingent.
Former Essendon forward Patrick Voss has impressed since venturing west, while local prospect Sam van Rooyen is also gunning to fill a tall forward void in purple.
Woodville-West Torrens young gun Max Beattie has caught the eye and looms as a potential small forward recruit following an off-season that saw Lachie Schultz and Liam Henry head to Victorian clubs.
A Docker who's familiar with uncertain situations, small forward Sam Switkoswki, commended the quartet of train-on players while throwing his support behind the introduction of the SSP.
Switkowski, who was overlooked three times at the draft, said he could relate to the list of hopefuls.
"I love it. I sort of semi-know what they're going through a bit," Switkowski told media on Wednesday.
"How much they want the opportunity and how determined they are (has been good to see). They've been having a crack for a while.
"I love the rule that's come in that allows guys to train on for the pre-season for an extra chance. It's a great experience for them.
"Even if they don't get picked up I think they'd appreciate the experience and would learn a lot.
"It just gives them a chance, whether it's now, the Mid-Season Draft or further on, to get picked up."
Beattie has stood out in Switkowski's eyes, with the fellow attacker flexing his ball smarts and skills since joining the Dockers' program in late November.
After moving from the Murray Bushrangers to the SANFL and now pushing for an AFL list spot, Beattie has gained a supporter in Switkowski.
"He's a small forward and we're managed by the same company as well, so there's a bit of a connection," the Dockers forward said.
"I've loved the way he's gone about it so far this pre-season. He's a really smart footballer, good IQ, very skillful and it's come out in our match sim so far."
Fremantle, who have two list spots open for the season ahead, have until February 19 to decide whether to sign any of their SSP train-on prospects.
The club has already added to its list since the window opened, signing former Gold Coast flanker Jeremy Sharp on the opening day of the SSP.
The Dockers decided against signing either of their two SSP prospects last year, instead opting to hold those vacancies for the Mid-Season Draft.
