Fremantle’s defensive stocks have received a boost, with Luke McPharlin likely to return on Saturday.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon confirmed McPharlin was a near-certain starter for the Round 8 encounter at Domain Stadium.

“We were confident last week, I know it sounds a bit silly, but more so this week,” Lyon told the media on Thursday.

“He just had a little bit of doubt in his mind more than anything (last week). Again, he made the call, but he trained Sunday and felt nothing, so we're planning for him to play."

Meanwhile, Lyon has predicted big things for his two small forwards in Michael Walters and Hayden Ballantyne this weekend, who have both been more quiet than in previous seasons.

“There has been a bit of noise about (their form)," Lyon said.

“Hayden has been thereabouts without being at his very, very best. ‘Sonny’ (Walters) kicked two. I thought Michael played really, really well - I gave him votes. Some of his ball use and kicking, I thought he kicked clutch goals and (laid some good) tackles.

"Things aren't going perfectly. They aren't going bad. Most small forwards would take three shots on goal (each game).”

Doubt also lingers over the availability of midfielder David Mundy, who was injured in a head clash in the Dockers’ win over the Dogs.

"It was a big head clash... cuts don't worry him too much.

"We'll make an informed decision but we're certainly planning for him to play."

Lyon also said Tendai Mzungu could make his return to AFL footy against the Roos on Saturday.

Mzungu has played just the one game so far this season, with the impressive form of Dockers’ teammates keeping his on the fringes.

“He played really well (for WAFL side Peel), he’s a frustrated man,” Lyon added.

“He’ll come up for selection but we haven’t got too many injuries, everyone is in solid form but he might have to wait again to get his opportunity.”