Fremantle Dockers defenders Brennan Cox and Brandon Walker tick another box ahead of prelim

Fremantle defenders Brennan Cox and Brandon Walker have ticked another box on the path to preliminary final selection.

Both had to get through main training on Tuesday to be considered for a return against Sydney from an ankle injury for Walker and a calf strain for Cox.

And it appears they both passed with flying colours after officially being listed as tests for Friday’s must-win final at the SCG.

The Dockers’ Director of Performance, Adam Beard, revealed Cox had regained his strength through the injured calf, even after training with Peel Thunder over the weekend ahead of main training.

“He’s got a lot of strength back in the calf. He did a really good session on Saturday, and full main train today, so he’ll be a test to play,” Beard said.

The news was similarly positive for Walker.

“Walker’s got his speed, agility and change of direction all back. He was a full train today, so he’ll be a test play,” Beard said.

The pair’s availability will give coach Justin Longmuir a headache after a strong performance across the board in the semifinal triumph over Geelong on Friday.

Only two players remain on the Dockers’ injury list who have no chance to play this weekend: Sam Sturt, who underwent hamstring surgery last week, and Ollie Murphy, who is carrying a minor calf concern.

Meanwhile, Sean Darcy and Jaeger O’Meara could return for Peel Thunder’s grand final clash with Claremont on Sunday if they don’t get selected to battle the Swans for a spot in the AFL decider.

“(Darcy) initially had swelling on the knee and couldn’t get that range of motion back. He’s got that back, so he’ll be a test to play,” Beard said.

“He didn’t finish that game (Peel Thunder’s semifinal against Claremont), and he’s progressed really well. He’s completed full main train today and he’ll be a test to play.”