Coach Ross Lyon suggested AFL scheduling contributed to fresh injury concerns over key forwards Brennan Cox and Matt Taberner as Fremantle copped a midfield spanking in their 51-point JLT Community Series loss to West Coast in Mandurah yesterday.

Cox and Taberner will have scans and appear in doubt for round one against North Melbourne on March 24, opening the door for Cam McCarthy, who has been out of favour for senior selection during the pre-season.

Cox beat Taberner to join recruits Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb in a new-look forward line in their final dress rehearsal, which ended with the 16.13 (109) to 8.10 (58) drubbing.

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But the 20-year-old injured his left hamstring in the first term.

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Taberner played a half for Peel against West Coast’s WAFL side in the curtain-raiser before he was withdrawn because of hamstring/calf tightness. Both played in the loss to Collingwood at Joondalup six days earlier.

“Coming here off a six-day break off our first hit in 40-degree heat up at Joondalup, I was really concerned against a well-rested premiership team,” Lyon said.

“It wasn’t ideal and we are talking about player availability and people getting hurt in the JLT series. The big picture is when you schedule teams ... at least give them a normal break of seven days, would be nice.

“We’ll be able to voice that. Can we attribute Cox to a six-day break, off your first hit-out? Probably, maybe.”

Bradley Hill lasted only a half after copping a cork to his left calf, but Lyon was confident his star wingman would be fit for round one.

Reece Conca (26 disposals) had a positive first showing in Fremantle colours.

Lyon confirmed captain Nat Fyfe would come straight in against the Kangaroos to boost an on-ball division that was outclassed by the Eagles in a 55-27 clearance dominance.

The only concern for the Eagles was defender Brad Sheppard (whiplash/corked knee).

Oscar Allen and Jack Petruccelle (two goals each) pressed their cases for round one, while premiership pair Dom Sheed (40 disposals) and Willie Rioli (four goals) starred.

West Coast are likely to play an intraclub match on Friday.

“It feels like we’re in a pretty good space,” coach Adam Simpson said.

“We haven’t changed a lot about our system and the way we play.”