Fremantle Dockers forward Patrick Voss set for instant recall against Western Bulldogs after flying east

Fremantle forward Patrick Voss is firming to return against Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, as the in-form Dockers look to extend a six-game winning streak on Friday. Voss (illness) failed an 11th-hour fitness test before the Dockers’ 14-point win over Carlton at Optus Stadium on Saturday, replaced by speedster Jeremy Sharp in the line-up. Sharp slotted in seamlessly despite the late call-up, kicking two important goals and recording 14 disposals and seven marks. Both Voss and Sharp were on the flight to Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon, alongside another emergency from last week, Chris Scerri, who also travelled as part of the Dockers’ 24-man squad. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir confirmed Voss would an automatic inclusion if fit. “He (Sharp) performed really well but if Vossy’s right, Vossy will come back in,” Longmuir said on Tuesday. Defender Judd McVee did not travel but is expected to fly on Thursday, having been an ever-present in Fremantle’s backline this season. Mason Cox appears set to continue his ruck combination with Luke Jackson, having played two games in the absence of the injured Sean Darcy over the past fortnight. Meanwhile, injured forward Sam Sturt was also on the flight to return to his native Melbourne. Fremantle are heavy favourites ($1.36, according to TABTouch as of late on Wednesday) against the undermanned Dogs, who will be without heart-and-soul midfielder Tom Liberatore for another week as he remains in concussion protocols. Miraculously, West Australian forward Aaron Naughton is set to retain his spot in the side following a concerning tumble in the club’s 66-point defeat to Sydney just eight days ago. Naughton was taken from the field in a stretcher but was cleared of concussion and any serious injury the following day. The Dogs will be desperate to end a three-game losing run and redeem themselves at their home ground after a final-round loss to Fremantle at the same venue last season. The Dockers won that do-or-die match to book their spot in September and knock the Dogs out of the finals.