Alex Silvagni appears to be the frontrunner should Freo choose to replace Luke McPharlin with a key defender, following training at Fremantle Oval this morning.

Silvagni joined in on a full-ground match simulation drill, while Freo’s other candidates for a key defensive selection, Peter Faulks and Antoni Grover, went through a series of running exercises.

Faulks (groin) is listed as a test on the injury list, while Grover has recently missed games because of a buttock injury.

Zac Dawson was given a taste of things to come at AAMI Stadium on Saturday, lining up on the 211cm Aaron Sandilands during the match simulation.

The former St Kilda defender is likely to play on Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett, who stands at 203cm.