Fremantle duo Rory Lobb and Aaron Sandilands are a chance to make their returns from injury this week - and the timing couldn't be better.
The Dockers' finals hopes were dealt a huge blow on Sunday after they coughed up a 30-point lead on the way to a four-point AFL loss to Carlton in Perth.
It left Fremantle (7-7) clinging to eighth spot ahead of a daunting western derby clash with arch rivals West Coast on Saturday night.
The Dockers have lost eight straight western derbies, and will start as underdogs against a West Coast unit buoyed by Nic Naitanui's return.
Fremantle's own big man stocks have been decimated this season, but the reinforcements could arrive as early as this week.
The Dockers feared Lobb would miss the rest of the season after he fractured his foot against Collingwood a month ago.
But the injury wasn't as bad as first thought, with Lobb now a chance to face the Eagles on Saturday.
Sandilands hasn't played since injuring his calf in round 13 last year.
But the 211cm ruckman has progressed well at training over the past month, and could also be given the green light to resume playing duties this weekend - most likely via the WAFL.
Fremantle will get a clearer picture on when Jesse Hogan can return when the former Demon undergoes more scans on his injured foot this week.
Lobb's availability is critical as Fremantle attempt to devise a plan to counter powerful West Coast ruck duo Naitanui and Tom Hickey.
Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy was outpointed by Carlton's Matthew Kreuzer on Sunday, especially in the last quarter as the Blues made a late charge.
Fremantle conceded four goals in the last six minutes to slump to the shock loss to Carlton.
Dockers coach Ross Lyon said his side were "unrecognisable" in the second term, with the home side conceding 17 straight inside 50s to start the quarter.
And he was also critical of the late fadeout that allowed Carlton to snatch victory.
"For me, that's a concern. We don't want to defend the undefendable," Lyon said.
Fremantle have posted some monumental wins this season - most notably on the road against Collingwood and GWS.
But their losses to bottom three teams Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Carlton could cost them a finals berth.
