Fremantle forward Chris Mayne says a week off in finals is a window of opportunity at the pointy end of a gruelling season.

A number of Fremantle players will head into next Friday’s Preliminary Final having played just once in the past three weeks, after the club made 12 changes for its round 23 clash and won its Preliminary Final against Sydney.

Mayne was among those rested and said extra time off was priceless.

“It’s been a long year, it’s been gruelling,” he said.

I'll back my technique: Mayne

“We’ve been going to war every week.

“When you get a window of opportunity to get your body fresh and get up for another battle, the players definitely take it.

“It’s exciting for us to have the opportunity to rest twice within three weeks.”

Week off begins

A reduced main group took part in a recovery and skills session on Tuesday morning at Fremantle Oval, while a number of senior players were kept on light duties.

“Everyone at the moment is taking care of their own body…doing what they can to get themselves right,” Mayne said.

“We’ll have a really good hit out come Friday.

“Hopefully, going into the prelim the boys will be fresh and ready to go.”