Pav to play midfield?

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich is set for a 'Mr Fix-It' role in the midfield this season as coach Mark Harvey looks to amend the club's on-ball woes.

Pavlich, who booted 72 goals in 2007 and is regarded as one of the best power forwards in the competition, has been used in short bursts in the midfield throughout his career.

The 26-year-old was again thrust into the role last week during the Dockers' 26-point loss to Collingwood, spending about a quarter on the ball.

He finished the match with 21 possessions, 10 marks and one goal.

Although Harvey said Pavlich would not spend entire matches in the midfield, he said he liked the idea of the 176-game veteran venturing into the middle at various stages to keep opposition side's guessing.

"There seems to be opposition strategies put towards Matthew beyond who he is playing on, so you look at all those different angles," Harvey said.

"Naturally you need to kick a winning score, too. Matthew has been primarily our major goalkicker so you've just got to take into consideration where the game's at. We'll make that decision as the game goes on."

"In part he may (play in the midfield). You ask anyone who plays on Pavlich whether they get worked over and the answer will be yes."

Pavlich's midfield role could open the door for defender Luke McPharlin to spend more time up forward.

McPharlin was sent forward in the second half against the Pies and kicked three goals.

"What we do need is another couple of different angles where guys contribute two or three (goals) regularly, just to alleviate some of that pressure that comes on your key goalkickers," Harvey said.

With Heath Black (concussion) and Dean Solomon (suspended) out of Saturday night's clash against Hawthorn at Subiaco Oval, Harvey said the likes of Rhys Palmer and Garrick Ibbotson would come under consideration for a call-up.

Palmer, taken with pick No. 7 in last year's national draft, played the majority of Fremantle's pre-season campaign, while the speedy Ibbotson has impressed coaching staff after making his AFL debut last year.

But Harvey was loath to reveal exactly who would come into the squad.

"Do you barrack for Hawthorn?" he replied to a young journalist who asked about possible inclusions.