Barlow was spotted in crutches wearing a moonboot after Fremantle's qualifying final loss to Sydney at ANZ Stadium last weekend, but afl.com.au columnist Dr Peter Larkins says the Barlow moonboot was probably a precautionary measure taken by Fremantle.
The star midfielder is expected to be named in Fremantle's side on Thursday night.
"There were some reports that Michael Barlow was protecting a sore foot at the end of the game in Sydney last Saturday, but I think it was just precautionary that Freo had him in a moonboot post-match," Larkins says.
"Unless he is absent from training late in the week, I'd expect him to play."
Fremantle coach Lyon echoed that sentiment in his Tuesday press conference.
“[Michael] was pretty confident he’d play, but in saying that we’ll give him all week,” Lyon said.
“He’s got a bit of a sore foot, [but] he was up and about yesterday.”
Pearce vomiting, McPharlin unlikely
Lyon also confirmed Taberner, who kicked two goals against the Power in Round 23, would line-up on Saturday afternoon.
“He’s playing, lock that in, unless something goes awry,” Lyon said on Tuesday.
“Why wouldn’t he? He’s the future."
