Debutant ruckman Liam Reidy could hold the key to Fremantle's finals hopes after Sean Darcy was ruled out of Saturday's crunch clash with GWS at Engie Stadium.
In other big round-23 selection news, Sydney have lost Chad Warner to a calf injury, Brisbane regain Eric Hipwood for their grand final rematch against Collingwood, and Carlton will make at least six injury-enforced changes.
Darcy (knee) and Josh Treacy (knee) will miss a second consecutive game for the Dockers, who have slipped to sixth spot after back-to-back losses.
Last week's tactic of using forward Pat Voss as Luke Jackson's ruck back-up during a 11-point loss to Geelong didn't work.
Not only were Fremantle beaten in the ruck, but losing Jackson in attack when Treacy was already missing proved to be a huge blow.
The inclusion of 204cm Reidy will allow Jackson to stay mainly in attack against GWS, and also give Fremantle a formidable ruck duo for a game they must win to have any hope of snaring a top-four berth.
A loss could result in Fremantle tumbling out of the top eight.
Reidy was taken with pick No.11 in the 2023 rookie draft, and he has been dominating at WAFL level this season.
The Dockers have recalled Nathan O'Driscoll, with veteran forward Matt Taberner dropped after just one game back.
GWS have been boosted by the return of vice-captain Stephen Coniglio from a shoulder injury, while ruckman Kieren Briggs is also back.
Sydney expect Warner to miss only one game with his calf injury, while Robbie Fox will also miss Friday night's clash with Essendon after copping a knock to his kidney.
The Bombers have called up forward Archie Perkins and Sam Weideman for Nik Cox (concussion) and Alwyn Davey (omitted).
Carlton's hopes of keeping their finals hopes alive against West Coast on Sunday received a major blow when they lost six players to injury.
Harry McKay (quad), Jack Martin (hamstring), Adam Saad (hamstring), Charlie Curnow (ankle), Lachie Fogarty (collarbone) and Jordan Boyd (adductor) were all cut down during last week's 74-point loss to Hawthorn.
Cooper Lord has already been confirmed to make his AFL debut, and the Blues will confirm at least one more debutant when they trim their extended squad on Friday.
The Eagles will again be without Tom Barrass (hamstring/back) for a third consecutive match, while last week's sub Andrew Gaff has been promoted into the 22 for his 280th and final AFL game.
North Melbourne lost Harry Sheezel to an ankle injury but regained midfielder George Wardlaw for Sunday's clash with the Western Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs will be without Tim English (ankle).
Hipwood is back for Brisbane after missing two games with a groin injury, while Collingwood have named Wil Parker to replace the axed Joe Richards.
Gold Coast regain Touk Miller from a wrist injury against a Demons side that will be without Clayton Oliver (hand surgery).
For the Showdown, Adelaide replaced Taylor Walker (eye) with Lachlan Gollant, while Port recalled Ryan Burton to replace Todd Marshall (concussion).
Geelong lost Tanner Bruhn (concussion) and rested Zach Tuohy for Sunday's meeting with St Kilda.
Gary Rohan returns for the Cats, while Mitch Knevitt earns a recall after kicking two goals from 32 disposals in the VFL last week.
