Fremantle vice-captain Andrew Brayshaw is eagerly anticipating the return of stars Sean Darcy, Hayden Young and Nat Fyfe to their side in what he says will be a significant boost.

The Dockers have started the season with a 1-2 record amid a run of injuries to first-choice players. But Fyfe has been building fitness in the WAFL and both Darcy and Young are available to play football at some level this weekend.

Brayshaw is excited about the idea of being able to pick a centre square with himself, Caleb Serong, Young and Darcy for the first time since last season.

“They’re both two of our best players and play really key roles for us. I’d love to see them both back out very soon,” Brayshaw said,

“Sean’s been really unfortunate with some of his injuries. Then youngy got really unlucky as well. I’d love to see both of them back. Having the option to have them all in there would be really special.

“It’s been really hard fought and even in the midfield for the last couple of weeks. Hopefully they’ll give us the little edge over the top of other midfields.

“Ideally we have everyone available. I think even without having those guys there, it’s given a lot of opportunity for Johnson, Erasmus and these sort of guys to step up into that role.”

The Dockers must weigh up the best way for Fyfe to return given he had an surgery during the pre-season and is now 33 years old. his strength and experience will help the club, but coach Justin Longmuir must also work out if he needs to continue giving his younger players opportunities to shine.

Nathan O’Driscoll has become an important part of the midfield this year, Matt Johnson negated Harley Reid during the western derby and Neil Erasmus has been building experience.

Brayshaw said Fyfe’s form in the WAFL had been a reminder of the strengths he could add to the Fremantle midfield.

“We’ve been watching some clips We just did our review of peel and Freo. He looks really strong, breaking three or four tackles before giving it off,” Brayshaw said.

“He’s looking good. The midfield roles have been flipping a fair bit. We’re trying to go forward as much as we can and out onto the wing. I see him coming inside as the big bodied mid and then going deep forward.”

The Dockers will get veteran Jaeger O’Meara back from illness for Sunday’s game against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium after he was a late withdrawal from the western derby. O’Meara has been an important part of the onball brigade this season.

Defender Corey Wagner could also be available despite also withdrawing due to a calf injury.

“He just had a minor calf complaint on the weekend,” Fremantle High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said.

“We are really no risk with Corey, so he’s going to have to get through the week of training this week and then will be a test to play.”