North’s forwards will be in for another big test on Saturday night with Fremantle anticipating the return of key defenders Luke McPharlin and Zac Dawson.

Out with calf soreness for the past few weeks, all-Australian McPharlin looks likely to make a comeback in time to line up on regular opponent Drew Petrie.

“Luke will train fully with the AFL squad and hopefully be available for selection,” Fremantle sports science manager Jason Weber told the club’s website.

Despite a slim height advantage, Petrie has struggled to have an impact when McPharlin is by his side and the Roo vice-captain has in the past, named the Docker defender as one of his toughest opponents. Since Brad Scott took over as head coach of North in 2010, Petrie has played six games against Fremantle for a return of just three goals. Two of those goals coming in last year’s victory in Round 6.

In Petrie’s favour however, is form. The key forward has played his best games for the year in the last two rounds with match winning performances against the Tigers and Bombers.

North’s new-look tall forward line of Petrie, Jarrad Waite and Ben Brown should stretch Fremantle, with the home team hoping Dawson will also return from a groin injury. The Dockers had hoped to bring him back through the WAFL competition, but their aligned club Peel Thunder has a bye.