Fremantle remains adamant Aaron Sandilands will overcome a knee injury in time for Friday's semi-final clash with the Cats, despite the giant ruckman not training on Monday morning.
Sandilands was a notable absentee as the Dockers went through their paces in front of about 100 fans at South Fremantle Oval as he continues to get treatment on the knee injury he sustained in the 30-point elimination final win over Hawthorn.
Sandilands struck his knee against Hawks' counterpart Wade Skipper's shin in a ruck duel during the first quarter and bravely hobbled through the game playing as a forward as Michael Johnson took centre-bounce duties.
But despite the club refusing to say what the exact nature of the injury is, Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich says the Dockers' preparation for Friday's game still revolves around Sandilands playing his usual ruck role.
"He's been getting around-the-clock physio, basically since the incident occurred," Pavlich said on Monday afternoon.
"So we're really confident that he'll be able to get up and play."
"(He's in) great spirits, ... and he's really confident that he can get up and play, so we're planning for him to be a part of our 22."
"He certainly showed a lot of grit and determination to get through the game (against Hawthorn) with his injury. I think that's evidence enough to suggest he'll be right."
Having recently announced his retirement from football at the end of the season veteran midfielder Paul Hasleby was putting his best foot forward at training, despite being dropped for the elimination final after a lean run of form towards the end of the season.
Pavlich, though, was uncertain whether Hasleby, his business partner, could work his way back into the side for what may be the last game of his career.
"Paul's been a huge part of our group for a long time," Pavlich said.
"The week's rest may have done him well but he's going to be up against it obviously given the fact that the team played so well and the guys in those positions probably did a good job."
"So he'll train as hard as he ever will to make sure that he puts his name up in selection."
Reported to have been offered a big money deal by the Gold Coast Suns, the out-of-contract Pavlich continued to refuse to discuss whether he'll be a Docker next year.
"It's obviously always hotly discussed my contract, but the club and I are very, very satisfied where it's at and there will be a result soon."
However, he was more forthcoming when asked about David Mundy's future, as reports have surfaced the star midfielder wants to return home to Victoria.
"I'd love to see him play (at the Dockers next year)," Pavlich said.
"He has certainly stepped up to that midfield role, he was sort of a half-back, wing type player but his inside work in contested football has been hugely valued at our club this year and he's certainly taken his game to another level."
"Seeing him play on the weekend early, he really set up the game. He's been in our leadership group for 12 months now and someone who we really model some behaviours on down here at Fremantle. He's certainly a wanted player."