Fremantle defender Brennan Cox’s season may not be over as first thought as the Dockers prepare to regain fellow key back Alex Pearce from concussion this weekend against Brisbane.

Cox was ruled out for the season in June after suffering a serious high-grade hamstring tendon injury against the Western Bulldogs which required surgery.

But after progressing faster than first thought, the club has left the door ajar for Cox to return before Fremantle’s season ends, whether that be in round 23 against St Kilda or in finals if the Dockers qualify.

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Cox has been listed as TBA on Fremantle’s latest injury update.

“Brennan’s attacked his reconditioning really professionally,” Fremantle executive general manager of football Peter Bell told club media.

“He’s a little in front of where we thought he would be, so we haven’t put a line through him for the season as yet.

“We just want to keep our options open and Brennan is pressuring everyone to try and get back in time to play some more footy this season, so we’ve left that door open.”

Fellow defender Pearce is also set to be available to face Brisbane under the AFL’s concussion protocols after he was hurt in a tackle by Lance Franklin against Sydney.

“We’re optimistic about Alex, he’s fulfilled everything that he needs to so far with the concussion protocols,” Bell said.

“He has a few more boxes to tick but we’re really hopeful and positive that he’ll be available against Brisbane.”

The recovery of veteran Stephen Hill from his latest hamstring setback also appears uncertain, with the Docker now listed as TBA after previously being earmarked as three-to-four weeks away from returning.

Forward Bailey Banfield has escaped serious injury and is expected to miss just one game under the AFL’s concussion protocols, while small forward Sam Switkowski is a chance to face West Coast in round 22 as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

“Bailey had that nasty incident against the Tigers and we’re pleased to report that, at the moment, he’s ticking all the boxes to be available for the RAC Derby but he’ll obviously miss this weekend against Brisbane,” Bell said.

“Sam is tracking well. I haven’t had eyes on him for a while as he’s in our non-quarantine group currently but he’s training really well and we think that he should be available for the RAC Derby.”

Round 20 injury listAlex Pearce (concussion) – Test

Bailey Banfield (concussion) – 1 week

Sam Switkowski (hamstring) – 1 week

Michael Frederick (ankle) – 3-4 weeks

Michael Walters (hamstring) – 4-5 weeks

Brennan Cox (hamstring) – TBA

Stephen Hill (hamstring) - TBA

Nat Fyfe (shoulder) – Season

Heath Chapman (shoulder) – Season

Sam Sturt (knee) – Season

Joel Hamling (ankle) – Season

Rory Lobb (ankle) - Season