Fremantle tall forward Matt Taberner has done just that this season.

The young Docker played only his sixth game of the season last week in the win over Brisbane at the Gabba.

It was only his 10th AFL game, but his second on the trot.

And while he was filling in the big shoes left by his injured skipper Matthew Pavlich, his 22 touches, 10 marks and goal must have given Ross Lyon and the Fremantle selection panel something to think about.

He also earned a Rising Star nomination.

With only one home-and away-fixture remaining - albeit an important one against Port Adelaide at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night - and finals guaranteed, there is no better time for an AFL footballer to put their best foot forward.

Taberner knows that Pavlich will come back into the side though and that he is no certainty to taste September action.

"I look to secure a spot in the team long term. We've still got a few other forwards who are more than capable of playing at the top level. I just need to keep working. Hopefully long term I can secure a spot," he said.

"Hopefully I can play well this weekend and see how it unfolds from there.

"This week is a pretty big game so we're really knuckling down and doing everything possible to recover from this six-day turnaround so we're really focussed on Port Adelaide.

"I've personally never played against them but they're obviously a very, very good team. They started off the year really well. They're a really good running team. So it'll be a tough task."

The consequences of winning or losing this week are well documented. It's simple. Beat Port and the Dockers finish fourth and earn the double chance in the finals. Lose and they host an elimination final instead.

As the Dockers continue to search to find a tall forward to assist and eventually take over from Pavlich, Taberner has now taken a big step forward.

The 21-year-old from the Murray Bushrangers has had his challenges since arriving via the Rookie Draft in 2013. Standing at 197 centimetres, his frame wasn't exactly what you would call imposing and he is the first to admit that his skills needed a bit of focus also.

But he's certainly stacked on some kilograms and is now listed around 90 kilograms.

And he has been getting some good results with Peel in the WAFL too. He's played 10 games this season and has kicked 18 goals, while averaging 16 touches and eight marks a game.

"One [area to improve on] in particular was my weight. Really focussed on that," he said.

"A lot of my ball use wasn't great early on so I tried to improve that. Just working as more of a team with other forwards, working together."

With Pavlich probably only having one season left at the top level, it's a good time for Taberer to be showcasing his potential.

And even if the Dockers captain returns this week, Taberner is now confident that there is room up forward for both of them.

"Obviously he'll have a fitness test during the week. I'm not too much involved with that, but I hope he is [back]," he said.

"He has a presence and he's directing and helping with the younger guys down there. Also he's a dangerous player and he normally takes the number one defender.

"Every game it makes it a lot easier and you get used to it, playing in front of big crowds and against good opposition. I definitely find it easier the more games I do play.

"This week is a pretty big game so we're really knuckling down and doing everything possible to recover from this six-day turnaround so we're really focussed on Port Adelaide."