Fremantle are upset a one match ban slapped on Chris Mayne in the WAFL could prevent the young forward returning to the AFL in Saturday's clash with Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.

Mayne, making his comeback from an ankle injury for Perth last weekend, received the suspension after being slapped with a rough conduct charge for a tackle he laid on opponent Rob Beswick in a WAFL match against Peel Thunder.

But the Dockers are considering appealing the ban, with coach Mark Harvey claiming the tackle didn't deserve a suspension, and that if it happened in the AFL set up Mayne would have likely received a reprimand.

However, any appeal would not be heard until Thursday night after the Dockers have flown out to Tasmania for the match against the Hawks.

"We are considering it (selecting Mayne), but we get on a plane tomorrow and the appeal is tomorrow night so I'm not sure whether we can or not," Harvey said.

"The system at the WAFL level should fall into line with the AFL level.

"That should include good behaviour, if they've had anything in the last five years and all those types of things.

"If they are contracted to the AFL then surely they should be judged on that system even if they are playing WAFL."

Harvey's ire was raised especially after it was the second week in a row a Docker had been charged in the WAFL, with Des Headland receiving a reprimand the week before Mayne's appearance when playing for Subiaco.

"The concerning part from our point of view is that we've had two players who have been reported the last two weeks in the WAFL," he said.

"We have been really well disciplined at AFL level so it's concerning as to why that would happen necessarily in the WAFL."

Despite the drama, Harvey was pleased with Mayne's return last week and has no doubt that he would be up to playing on Saturday despite missing eight weeks with his injury.

"He (Mayne) was an important fabric to what we did in the first half of the year until he got injured," Harvey said.

"He's an exciting young player and he does come to hand quite quickly which is a benefit to him and us.

"That was reflective in the way he played on the weekend."

Ruckman Aaron Sandilands, small forward Hayden Ballantyne and tagger Ryan Crowley are unlikely to play this week but will be a good chance to face Carlton next week.

Harvey and his coaching staff will also weigh up if other players, including captain Matthew Pavlich, need a break despite the importance of this Saturday's game.

"We regularly look at all our players and how many games they've played, and how many road trips they've had," Harvey said.

"There are a number of things to consider, but not at the expense of going down to Tassie to play Hawthorn, who is in really good form, and there's a lot at stake.

"We have discussed giving some guys a break, but not enough at this point to give an answer."

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