Fremantle captain Alex Pearce says he won't let a few niggles stop him from fronting up against Carlton's star-studded attack in the AFL clash at Optus Stadium.
Pearce and Brennan Cox will be given the daunting task of curbing Blues spearheads Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay in a game the 12th-placed Dockers (7-8) must win to stay within striking distance of the top eight.
Two weeks ago against Essendon, Pearce was subbed off early in the final quarter to rest his leg despite the match still being up for grabs.
Pearce's training loads have been modified for much of the season, but he declared himself fit to take on Carlton on Sunday.
"The body's alright. It's the time of the season where lots of guys have little niggles," Pearce told reporters on Friday.
"I've been dealing with some for a little while now. I got subbed out (two weeks ago against Essendon).
"It was a nice chance to have a bit of a rest.
"My training has been monitored for a little while now. There’s no issue."
Curnow booted nine goals in his most recent visit to Perth - a 108-point mauling of West Coast in round seven.
Blues coach Michael Voss isn't expecting a repeat, as much as he would love one.
"It would be very exciting if he did," Voss said.
"But the reality is, if you look at some of the behaviour of Harry and Charlie in the last few games and how selfless they've been, it's been particularly impressive."
Pearce will notch his long-awaited 100-game AFL milestone on Sunday.
It's taken him nine years and multiple broken legs and ankles to get there, but the first-year skipper is thankful to have overcome his numerous setbacks.
"It's taken me a while. There's probably been some moments it was maybe in doubt," Pearce said.
"My injuries have been a huge part of me as a player. It's not something I've overly enjoyed talking about.
"I've tried to make it not something that has defined who I am.
"Hopefully it's strengthened my resilience and helped me enjoy the time I've had out there."
Pearce said he is feeling for teammate and two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, who has gone through his own injury hell in recent years.
Fyfe, who is sidelined with a fractured foot and is no guarantee to play again in 2023, has been replaced in the side by last week's substitute Neil Erasmus.
Karl Worner will make his AFL debut as the tactical sub.
Carlton suffered a blow when big man Tom De Koning was ruled out after failing to pass a fitness test on his knee.
With fellow ruckman Marc Pittonet also ruled out for another match, Jack Silvagni and Lewis Young are set to share the ruck duties again.
