Fremantle midfielder Rhys Palmer is almost certain to return for Sunday's AFL western derby clash against West Coast as the Dockers ponder which rookies to demote.

The Dockers will be forced to drop at least one of their well-performing rookies this week because Tim Ruffles, who was on the long-term injury list after undergoing a knee reconstruction last year, will return to action in the WAFL this weekend.

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey also revealed Scott Thornton, who was also on the long-term injury list, was a chance to return to the WAFL this weekend, placing the Dockers in an awkward position.

Rookies Alex Silvagni, Matt de Boer, Clancee Pearce and Jay van Berlo have all been key contributors to the Dockers' 4-1 start to the season but the club has only one full-time position available on the senior list.

If both Ruffles and Thornton return to action this week, two rookies must be dropped. A third will be axed when Antoni Grover returns.

"They're the rules and it's difficult, because the guys we've upgraded have done very well," Harvey said.

"That's the system and we have to abide by it."

Michael Barlow is safe because he was permanently upgraded to the senior list.

The return of one, and possibly two players to the rookie list this week opens the door for Palmer to return after six hit-outs in the WAFL following a year out of the game due to a knee injury.

"Rhys has played really well, he's played six games," Harvey said.

"You have to be spot on and sharp when you come back into this game because you can't carry guys that are coming back from injury, you just can't do that.

"It is (dependant on) what we need to structure up against West Coast.

"Rhys is a terrific player, he plays with a lot of pride, so it will be hotly debated at selection.

"You can't afford to ease players back. If he plays it would be in the midfield, where he plays his best.

"He's put performances on the board that would suggest he's ready."

West Coast coach John Worsfold hinted he would make changes to his underperforming squad, with forwards Quinten Lynch and Ashley Hansen, who booted five goals in the WAFL last weekend, and midfielder Tom Swift the leading contenders to return.

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