FREMANTLE midfielder Darcy Tucker has ramped up his push for round one selection after his injured right knee was put to the test at training on Monday.

Tucker, who established himself as a mainstay in the midfield in 22 games last season, suffered a knock to his knee in training last month and missed the Dockers' intraclub on February 20.

Share label.close Share This Video Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on WhatsApp

Copy link Link copied to clipboard Toe to toe with Damo: When Sonny thought he was done Michael Walters sits down with Damian Barrett to discuss the lightbulb moment that turned his career around, thriving in big moments, and more

Also sidelined for Saturday's Marsh Community Series win against Carlton, the 23-year-old was put through his paces on Monday in what was a very light session for the majority of the group.

Tucker worked with a trainer on his kicking and groundball gathers, running laps and in straight lines before finishing with goalkicking.

The 23-year-old appears likely to push for selection against Essendon in the season-opener on March 21 at Marvel Stadium, with teammate James Aish confirming he would return soon.

(L-R): Darcy Tucker, James Aish and Reece Conca during Fremantle's team photo shoot: Picture: AFL Photos

Important key defender Alex Pearce was running straight lines at high intensity on Monday, also kicking short distances as he pushes for an early-season return from ankle surgery.

MARSH W1 SNAPSHOT Who's attending the most centre bounces?

Draftee Hayden Young continued to have his training loads managed, stretching, running laps with fellow draftee Liam Henry and completing knee lifts.

Coach Justin Longmuir was hopeful Young would push for selection against West Coast in Saturday's Marsh Community Series clash at HBF Arena if he hit his training load targets this week.

The Dockers are set to play their strongest available team on Saturday, with captain Nat Fyfe and star Michael Walters in line for their first matches after representing the All Stars on Friday night.

Skilful half-back Stephen Hill will also play after being held back for the opening pre-season game as part of his planned build towards round one.

Ruckman Sean Darcy should be available against the Eagles, with the club saying his minutes were managed against the Blues after a lack of lead-up match practice because of a shoulder injury.

Aish said the Dockers' win against Carlton on Saturday was important for the young Dockers and he anticipated a lift in intensity against West Coast.

Share label.close Share This Video Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on WhatsApp

Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh Highlights: Fremantle v Carlton The Dockers and Blues clash in the Marsh Community Series

"Naturally teams want to play as strong a team as they can and want to keep building. It's your last real prep for round one so it will be an exciting game," Aish said on Monday.

"West Coast are a great team. They always bring a pretty hard edge and are a really well-drilled team as well. It will be a great test for us."

Aish was a star for the Dockers on Saturday, rotating between wing and inside midfield roles before pushing into defence in the fourth quarter, finishing with 24 possessions and a goal.

James Aish and Reece Conca celebrate a goal during Freo's Marsh clash with Carlton. Picture: AFL Photos

The former Collingwood and Brisbane midfielder, who settled into a half-back role with the Magpies, said he was aiming to fill a wing role in 2020 but understood the need to be versatile.

"I really enjoyed different challenges and playing with the new guys was really good," the 24-year-old said.

"I was pretty happy with my performance and there's a lot to build from.

"Justin said just to be flexible a little bit. I think (I'll be) aiming for that wing, if I can get inside a little bit that would be nice, and then there's down back as well."