Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich is adamant Aaron Sandilands will fulfil his full ruck duties against Geelong, claiming anything less would be a liability in a cut-throat AFL semi-final at the MCG.

Sandilands failed to train on Monday after copping a heavy knock to the knee in the elimination final win over Hawthorn.

Dockers coach Mark Harvey has flagged the prospect of using Sandilands as a permanent forward if his knee fails to fully recover.

But Pavlich said the club simply couldn't afford to take in any underdone players and said Sandilands would be ready to go against the Cats.

"It's a risk taking anyone who's not 100 per cent into any game of football," Pavlich said on Monday.

"We're not preparing to have anything but Aaron Sandilands at 100 per cent on the weekend.

"He's really confident he can get up and play.

"We are planning for him to be part of our 22.

"He's been getting round the clock physio basically since the incident occurred so we're really confident he'll be able to get up and play.

"He certainly showed a lot of grit and determination to get through the game with his injury and I think that's evidence enough to suggest he'll be right."

After the team's impressive performance against the Hawks, Pavlich said retiring midfielder Paul Hasleby faced an uphill battle to regain his place.

"Sentiment in these types of games doesn't necessarily take the forefront position, it's about making sure we have the best side out there on Friday night," Pavlich said.

"Paul's been a huge part of our group for a long time and the week's rest may have done him well.

"But he's going to be up against it obviously given the fact the team played so well."

Pavlich, a long-time friend and business partner of Hasleby, admitted the veteran's dumping had been difficult to deal with.

" ... There are bigger things than just friendship at times," Pavlich said.

"It's really important for me to think as objectively as possible amongst all the discussions about his retirement and his possible selection in the team.

"I've got a more important job and that's to lead the team and make sure they're ready for Friday night."

Fremantle defeated Geelong by seven points in round three but Pavlich said little could be read into that match given the Cats were missing several key players, including Brad Ottens, Cameron Mooney and Matthew Scarlett.

The Dockers haven't played on the MCG this year but hope to train there on Thursday afternoon.

"Everyone knows we haven't played there a whole heap recently but it's got green grass and goalposts at each end so it's not going to make any difference whatsoever to the way we play," Pavlich said.

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