Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce is in line to return from injury in this weekend's clash against St Kilda.
The 30-year-old key defender has not played since pulling up sore with a stress-related shin injury after the Dockers' Round 11 win over Port Adelaide last month.
He took part in Tuesday's training – the first of two main training sessions for the week – and participated in lateral movement exercises and kicking drills, while also running laps and short sprints.
Pearce appeared to get through the session unscathed and will be put through his paces again on Thursday to determine his availability.
"He's progressed really well over the last week," Fremantle's High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said.
"We just need to see a little more later in the week.
"He will be a test to play."
The in-form Dockers are chasing their sixth win on the trot when they host St Kilda at Optus Stadium on Sunday evening.
Fremantle suffered a 61-point loss on a Friday night in Round 8 the last time the two teams met, the Dockers registering just five goals for the match.
In other Dockers selection news, veteran forward Michael Walters is nearing an AFL return after playing restricted minutes for the club's WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder last weekend.
The 34-year-old had limited offensive impact – finishing with just five disposals – but applied his trademark pressure while recording five tackles playing across half-forward.
Walters spent much of the game guiding and instructing his younger teammates, his on-field leadership proving invaluable.
Fellow small forward Isaiah Dudley is also pressing for an AFL return after producing some eye-catching moments in the Thunder's 35-point loss to South Fremantle.
Dudley, who has been left out of the Dockers' team since the win against Port Adelaide in Round 11, finished with 11 disposals, three tackles and a goal.
Ex-Geelong and Port Adelaide midfielder Quinton Narkle also had a strong performance, providing plenty of run and drive for the Thunder.
Narkle recorded an equal game-high eight inside 50s to go with 24 disposals and five tackles.
