Key defender Brennan Cox faces a race against time to be fit for the RAC Derby at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
 
In this week’s Envision Medical Imaging injury update, executive general manager of football Peter Bell said Cox remained a chance to play.
 
“Brennan tweaked his ankle and he’ll need a lot of treatment this week,” Bell said.
 
“He’ll be a genuine test as to whether he’s available against the Eagles.”

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Fremantle are hopeful of having fellow key defenders Joel Hamling (ankle) and Alex Pearce (knee) available in a fortnight.
 
“Every day they’re getting better. Both are running with good speed at the moment,” Bell said. 
 
“We’ll just keep building that capacity, change of direction and bleed them back into football.”

Joel Hamling in action at training on Tuesday.

Bell was hopeful that midfielder Stephen Hill could be available for selection by the mid-point of the season, stating that Fremantle were being conservative with his build from a hamstring injury.
 
“We’ve put a timeframe of another six to seven weeks for ‘Hilly’, which is really frustrating but part of the plan,” Bell said. 
 
“We’re going really slowly to build him back up. He’s getting good velocity now and we’ll start to build some kicking capacity and also start bleeding him back into football.”
 
“He’s approached his reconditioning really professionally, he’s taken this long and frustrating build as well as he possibly could have.
 
“We’re really excited about the next couple of months for Stephen.”
 
INJURY LIST ROUND 7
Brennan Cox (ankle) – Test
Joel Hamling (ankle) – 1-2 weeks
Alex Pearce (knee) – 2 weeks
Adam Cerra (ankle) – 2-3 weeks
Sam Switkowski (finger) – 4 weeks
Stephen Hill (hamstring) – 6-7 weeks
Hayden Young (hamstring) – 7-9 weeks

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