FREMANTLE defender Luke McPharlin is no certainty to play again this year after re-injuring his troublesome calf in the lead-up to the qualifying final win over the Sydney Swans a fortnight ago.
The 33-year-old is almost certain to miss Friday's match against Hawthorn, and he faces an uphill battle to win back his spot even if Fremantle reaches the Grand Final.
"I haven't got the luxury of cuddling people on a 24-hour basis. I give them a little cuddle and move on," Fremantle Coach Ross Lyon said on Monday.
"The injury bobbed up out of nowhere.
"I asked him to give everything he can to get back as quickly as he can, and that's all you can do."
Tagger Ryan Crowley's 12-month ban for doping ends this week, meaning he's free to play against the Hawks.
In 2010, then-St Kilda coach Lyon recalled Steven Baker for the Grand Final despite the tagger's 12-week absence from the team.
Last week, Lyon effectively ruled Crowley out of contention for a recall this year. But his stance softened somewhat when probed about the issue again on Monday.
"He's a chance isn't he," Lyon said.
"It's been done before, it can be done again. It's unlikely, but it's a chance.
"We've had a few injuries around the edges. Does that open it up? Possibly.
"No one will know until the ball's bounced, will they."
Forward Matt Taberner is a strong chance to earn a recall after booting five goals in the WAFL two weeks ago.
Skipper Matthew Pavlich is a certainty to play despite wearing a moonboot last week to manage a lingering issue with his Achilles tendon.
RELATED
Hawks start as underdogs, says Smith
