Fremantle are the envy of their AFL rivals, not only sitting on top of the table but with an injury list that has just one player on it – and even he could be in line for a return this week.

But with such a healthy list comes “stiff” selection calls, including dropping veteran Jaeger O’Meara, Corey Wagner and Oscar McDonald for Thursday’s thrilling win over Geelong.

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Matt Johnson was one of the three players to return, and speaking post-match he acknowledged how hard it is to get into this high-flying Fremantle line up.

“I had one week off with the hammy … it was low grade, it was just on kicking I sort of felt it,” Johnson told foxfooty.com.au.

“I was touch and go to play against North but having the bye gave me time to be 100%.

“I’ve played some good footy this year – more consistent but (I’m) always looking to improve.

“It’s a testament to the strength and conditioning staff – everyone is available, everyone is fit. Those who come in are playing a super role. It’s a great problem to have.

Matt Johnson (right) was one of three inclusions for Thursday night’s clash.Source: Getty Images

“The blokes that went out for me this week, they couldn’t have been more supportive.

“Having the love of the playing group and the belief that they’ve got in me makes it really easy to go out and trust myself. It’s really nice to have their support.”

Even coach Justin Longmuir said the omitted players “added energy” to the group despite their personal disappointment.

“There’s some players who were really stiff to miss out tonight that will go back and improve their footy at Peel and wait for the opportunity,” he said.

“It’s tough – they are hard conversations for me to have, but they are harder for the player to hear.

“I think sometimes players realised that they are in the team because of injury – that’s maybe the case with Oscar. He’s come in and done a really good job. But he probably knew he got his opportunity because of injury and Coxy (Brennan Cox) comes back. The other two that missed out, they were stiff.

Alex Pearce leads the Dockers off in AFL game 150.Source: Getty Images

“They’ve both been playing their roles really well – but we’ve got a lot of players through the middle of the ground performing. And a lot of players on our list who are playing really good footy.

“It’s a good position to be in as a club… but some of those players had to swallow a tough one.

“Sometimes when you get left out of the team when you think you shouldn’t, you can take some energy away from the group. But if anything they added energy with a real mature response.

“I’m sure they’ll go out and play well and be ready when an opportunity presents.”

The dropped trio have played 372 AFL games between them, with O’Meara’s 204 to date the most.

Johnson said he felt the club was “in a good headspace” after their record 13th straight win, and “just in a groove”.

“Every one knew what they had to do on the bye in terms of keeping our run load up,” he said.

“You have a break and reset mentally.

“JL’s big thing is we want to go 1-0 every week … that’s all we really think about.

“It’s just a fun environment. Everyone gets on.

“It’s one big group that’s connected and very driven for a common goal. I love coming to the footy club every day … We’re all really invested in this club and where it’s going.”