Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has warned fans not to expect veterans Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands to “tear apart” the competition upon their return to AFL ranks.

Pavlich (plantaris) could be back in action as early as next week, but Sandilands is still at least five weeks away from resuming after undergoing hamstring surgery earlier this season.

The talented duo possess nine All-Australian guernseys between them, and have been Fremantle’s best players for the best part of a decade now.

But Lyon said their long stints on the sidelines meant it was unrealistic to expect them to hit top form straight away.

“I think we’ve got to temper expectations for them,” Lyon said ahead of Sunday’s clash with Melbourne at Patersons Stadium.

“To suggest they’re going to hit the heights they have in the past after 10, 12, 13 weeks out is unrealistic.

“It’s certainly not my expectation. They’ve got plenty of work to do.

“We know they’re super diligent in rehab, but to think they’re going to come back and tear apart the competition, it’s not in my thinking.

“I’m really happy with what our team are doing and if they can add a little bit at the right time it would be nice. But there’s no saviour there from them.”

Pavlich struggled for form in the opening three rounds of the season before undergoing surgery on his plantaris.

If he doesn’t play in next week’s away clash with Adelaide, the June 15 home encounter against Brisbane looms as his return game.

Sandilands is yet to play an AFL game this year after twice tearing his hamstring.

Despite the absence of a host of key players, including Stephen Hill and Michael Walters, Fremantle are expected to post a big win over struggling Melbourne, whose coach Mark Neeld is under the pump following just one win from eight games this season.

The Demons were competitive against Richmond last week, but they must defy their horror record in Perth if they are to pull off an unlikely victory against the Dockers.

Melbourne haven’t won at Patersons Stadium since 2004, with their losing streak at the venue standing at 13 games.

The Demons welcome back Jack Watts and Shannon Byrnes from injury, while Fremantle recalled Hayden Crozier in place of in-form forward Walters (ankle).

Dockers defender-cum-forward Alex Silvagni tallied just four possessions in last week’s draw against Sydney, and is under pressure to have more of an impact this week.

“Clearly he wouldn’t want to play like last week too often,” Lyon said.