Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, who considered resting Pavlich against the Pies, said the 34-year-old was cleared to play despite a six-day break, in what could be his final game at the MCG.

The Dockers boss also confirmed that ruckman Sandilands, who is recovering from broken ribs, would return this season, along with key defender Michael Johnson, who has a hamstring/knee injury.

Lyon said Sandilands was listed as being four weeks away from a return.

"He'll play again towards the end of the season," he said.

"He's progressing, the surgeon has cleared him, he's working hard."

With only 29 players available for selection, it's no surprise Lyon wants his ageing warriors back in the side.

Lyon confirmed that Tanner Smith, Brady Grey and Matt de Boer all suffered significant injuries on the weekend.

Rookie key position prospect Matthew Uebergang will also miss 8-10 weeks to undergo hamstring surgery, while veteran Tendai Mzungu, who also has a hamstring issue, will miss at least three weeks.

"It's got to a tipping point really," Lyon said of the club' injury list.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed everyone gets through training so we'll have to back off training as well."

Lyon said the many injury issues at the club in 2016 meant their pre-season program next year would need tweaking.

"Clearly we're looking at loading, it goes back to summer programs," he said.

"There'll be no one who applies more rigour than (sports science manager) Jason Weber and his team."

Jack Hannath will replace Smith, the only change for the clash, with Lyon naming Ed Langdon, Garrick Ibbotson and Clancee Pearce as the emergencies.

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