Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow has recovered quickly from a fractured finger, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.

Lyon told Seven News on Tuesday night that Barlow was ‘optimistic’ and that he would be given ‘every chance’ to line up against Melbourne in Darwin this Saturday.

Barlow had surgery on his finger last week after suffering the injury in the 48-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG in round 14. He was expected to miss four weeks but returned to training this week.  

“He came into the office today, he’s really keen, he’s got very good movement in that finger,” Lyon said.

“He’s more likely than unlikely.”

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Matthew Pavlich is set to make the trip up to Darwin for this week’s game.

“The plan is for Matthew to go coming off the bye,” Lyon said.

“He will certainly go this week.”

Fremantle face Melbourne at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday at 5:40pm AWST.