Dockers set to welcome back Sean Darcy for Pies test

Fremantle expect No.1 ruckman Sean Darcy to return from injury to bolster their on-ball division in the AFL crunch clash with reigning premiers Collingwood.

Darcy missed a second-straight match with a calf injury as the inaccurate Dockers posted a scrappy 17-point win over St Kilda on Saturday night.

Luke Jackson again played well as the lead ruckman in Darcy's absence, shining in an entertaining battle with Saints big man Rowan Marshall.

But Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said Darcy would be a welcome addition if he is passed fit, as expected, to take on Collingwood at Optus Stadium on Friday night.

"We think we can use Luke in other positions, as well, and Sean's a pretty dominant ruck," Longmuir said.

"Jacko's strength is more his follow-up and second efforts, and Sean's strength is getting his hand on it and giving our mids first use.

"So we think we can play them both in the team and we've proven that when they've both been up and going in the past."

Darcy has managed just three appearances this season, having had a delayed start to the campaign with a knee injury that required an arthroscope.

The 25-year-old completed two full games on return but hurt a calf and was substituted out of the round-eight win over Richmond.

He was listed as a "test" to face St Kilda but was ultimately left out.

"We think he will be (ready to play against Collingwood)," Longmuir said.

Fremantle (6-4) sit on the verge of the top-eight as they prepare to take on the Magpies (6-3-1) in Perth.

Longmuir said close losses to Carlton and Port Adelaide, as well as "one poor game" against West Coast, had cost his side being further up the ladder this season.

The fifth-year coach also conceded in-game consistency has been an issue.

"It's probably got a little bit with how we function in our front half and create opportunities and get bang for buck," Longmuir said after his side's 9.18 (72) to 8.7 (55) win over St Kilda.

"But I think our contest, our midfield, our back-line and the way we defend our front half, I think some of those aspects are up there with the best in the competition.

"Like every team we've got some work to do but I feel like we've been really competitive."

Fremantle will make at least one forced change against Collingwood, with speedy half-forward Michael Frederick ruled out through concussion after a heavy collision with St Kilda's Jimmy Webster in a marking contest.