Fremantle coach Ross Lyon often says the AFL is a ruthless business, and Dockers’ ruckman Jonathon Griffin will probably find this out first-hand when he’s overlooked for selection in Sunday’s crunch clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The controversial late inclusion of Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands last Saturday proved to be bad news for Richmond, with the 211cm giant playing a key role in the Dockers’ 22-point win.

But the return of Sandilands was even worse news for Griffin, who is again set to be relegated to WAFL ranks despite performing admirably during the eight games Sandilands was sidelined with a toe injury.

Griffin, who recently re-signed with the club until the end of 2014, was initially named to take on the Tigers, but was replaced by Sandilands just minutes before bounce down after injuring his groin during the warm-up.

Sandilands and Griffin have only played together twice over the past two years.

On the first occasion, Fremantle’s punt on Sandilands, Griffin and Zac Clarke all in the same side ended terribly as the Dockers’ lack of run was badly exposed in a 48-point western derby loss.

On the second occasion – in round 11 this year – Griffin played a starring role in Fremantle’s 12-point win over Richmond after Sandilands went down with his toe injury in the opening minutes.

Lyon said he was unlikely to pair the two ruckmen together any time soon, with utility Kepler Bradley to be the preferred back-up to Sandilands.

“I think what happens is when you give your spot up, it’s hard to get back in, which is good for me but bad for Jon and great for Aaron,” Lyon said.

“I’m suggesting it’s really difficult to play both.

“Aaron’s performed and Bradley’s performed.

“It’s a tough, ruthless business but … we can’t delve into how people feel. It’s how they act.”

Eighth-placed Fremantle must defeat North Melbourne and Melbourne over the next two weeks to guarantee a finals berth.

The Dockers have won both of their games at Etihad Stadium this year, but confront a Kangaroos side oozing confidence following nine wins from their past 10 games.

Fremantle will assess the fitness of skipper Matthew Pavlich (hamstring/Achilles tendon), Tendai Mzungu (shoulder) and Nat Fyfe (ankle) this week, but the club is hopeful all three will play.