FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon is set to swing the axe in the wake of last week's 56-point AFL loss to Hawthorn.
The Dockers were annihilated 48-24 in the clearances against the Hawks, and face an even sterner task this Sunday when they take on ladder-leading West Coast at Patersons Stadium.
Although Lyon said the selection committee would have to be careful not to "throw the baby out with the bath water" on the back of just one heavy loss, he agreed changes were necessary to make a statement.
"I think there will have to be a change. I don't think we'll just roll on and accept we're not performing," Lyon told Perth radio station 6PR.
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The Dockers are hopeful defender Adam McPhee will be fit to return from a calf injury, while defender Alex Silvagni will also come into contention after a solid number of performances in the WAFL.
Forward Michael Walters, who was banished to WAFL club Swan Districts earlier this year after failing to meet club standards, could earn a recall after impressing the Dockers' coaching staff with his application in recent months.
And ruckman Jon Griffin is another in the selection mix if Lyon deems it necessary to include another tap specialist to counter West Coast pair Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.
The Eagles are set to welcome back midfielder Matt Priddis from concussion and forward Ashton Hams from suspension, but defender Adam Selwood faces further assessment after re-injuring his hand in last week's win over the Saints.