Fremantle Dockers defender Luke Ryan says selection squeeze a great problem to have against Melbourne Demons

Fremantle defender Luke Ryan says a squeeze at the selection table is “a great problem to have” with the Dockers set to re-gain two stars ahead of their clash with Melbourne.

Captain Alex Pearce (arm) and ruck Sean Darcy (concussion) both appeared to get through main training unscathed on Thursday morning, their final hurdle ahead of the Optus Stadium clash on Sunday.

Dashing defender Brandon Walker is also on track to be available for selection after playing for Peel Thunder last weekend, with the Dockers likely to field their strongest team on paper this season against the Demons.

“It’s a great problem to have,” Ryan said of the selection squeeze.

“We’ve got a pretty fit list at the moment, not a lot of few injuries. Hopefully, we keep it that way.”

The captain’s inclusion is set to force young key defender Josh Draper out of the 22, with Brennan Cox and Pearce set to play in the same side for the first time since round one.

“If we get Moose (Pearce) back and Sean, obviously that allows Luke to go forward and he’s another aerial threat,” Ryan said.

“But the boys that have been playing with all those guys out have been unbelievable...

“We’ll get a strong team in but we’ll still have to do all the right things.”

Ryan said Pearce also adds another layer of leadership for the Dockers, with Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw having shared the role across his three weeks on the sidelines.

“It’s good to have your captain back down there. He’s our voice. He’s always the one to make a big contest and make the boys up and about,” Ryan said of Pearce.

“If we get him back this week, it’s going to be a massive boost. He’ll be handy to have back in that’s for sure.”

Ryan admitted he failed to kill the ball in crucial contests against Hawthorn captain James Sicily, who kicked two late goals in a match-winning final term.

The Doig Medallist declared that wouldn’t happen again, as he took ownership for his part in the 13-point loss.

“Few skill errors really let us down and a few of my contests, I got beaten pretty bad,” Ryan said.

“I’ll wear that one pretty hard and look to rectify that when I come out this week.”

Game 149 was one to forget for Ryan but ahead of his milestone match this weekend, he could not be more proud to pull on the purple jumper.

“I owe Freo a lot, they took a gamble on me and hopefully, I’ve got a few more games in me and can repay the favour to them,” he said.