Fremantle coach Ross Lyon often boasts his team isn’t a one-man band.
But the Dockers have been left singing the blues with Luke McPharlin and Zac Dawson ruled out of Saturday’s crunch clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
McPharlin (quad) and Dawson (ankle) were both injured in last week’s AFL win over West Coast.
Dawson tried to prove his fitness behind closed doors on Thursday, but ultimately failed.
The absence of McPharlin and Dawson leaves only Michael Johnson as a first-choice tall in defence.
And with Port Adelaide boasting multiple threats in attack, the double injury blow comes at the worst possible time for Fremantle.
Power spearhead Jay Schulz leads the Coleman Medal race with 24 goals, while 199cm Justin Westhoff, All-Australian Chad Wingard and former Bomber Angus Monfries also have the potential to wreak major damage.
The Dockers have recalled Alex Silvagni for his first game of the year, while forward Chris Mayne is set to play in defence.
Mayne performed well on Eagles forward Jack Darling in the second half last week, while Silvagni has had his moments during his stop-start 39-game career.
Ruckman Zac Clarke is another option to throw back.
But they are no match for the defensive combination of McPharlin and Dawson.
McPharlin, 32, not only shuts down the opposition’s best forward, but his rebound sets up numerous attacking thrusts.
Dawson appears slow and lackadaisical at times, plus he’s a horrible kick.
But the former Saint is a spoiling machine whose presence is crucial to Fremantle’s structure.
Lyon put on a brave face when asked about the daunting task of fronting up to Adelaide Oval minus two of the club’s best defenders.
“It’s a challenge, but it’s nothing we haven’t done before,” Lyon said.
“Alex Silvagni played in a final against Geelong on the biggest stage in Melbourne and stood up.
“As always, we’ll defend if the pressure’s right up the field.”
The Dockers have at least been boosted by the return of midfielder Stephen Hill, who has recovered from a minor hamstring niggle.
Port Adelaide welcome back Alipate Carlile, Hamish Hartlett and Kane Mitchell.
The Power sit in second spot following a 6-1 start to the year, while Fremantle (4-3) are yet to hit their straps despite starting the season as a hot flag fancy.