Former Geelong forward Shane Kersten will find out how far he’s fallen down the Fremantle pecking order this week.

Kersten has struggled since joining Fremantle from Geelong at the end of 2016, booting just 24 goals from 20 games in his debut season at the Dockers.

This season, Kersten was dropped after the round-one AFL loss to Port Adelaide after failing to kick a goal.

With Kersten struggling as a forward, Fremantle decided to trial him in defence with their WAFL affiliate team Peel Thunder.

The results have been mixed so far, but Kersten is a chance to be thrust back into Fremantle’s forward line for Sunday’s western derby against West Coast.

The door has been opened slightly after forward Matt Taberner suffered a suspected fractured foot in last week’s win over the Bulldogs.

Taberner had been in strong form for the Dockers this season and was also performing an important pinch-hitting role in the ruck.

His absence leaves a major hole in Fremantle’s forward line, but Kersten is no guarantee to fill it.

Defender Michael Johnson, who was rested last week, has played forward before, as well as pinch-hitting in the ruck.

And 193cm forward Brennan Cox is also in the selection mix.

If Kersten is overlooked this week, he faces a major battle to break back into the side anytime soon.

The 25-year-old is contracted to Fremantle until the end of next season, but is fast running out of time to prove his worth.

Fremantle (3-2) moved up to 10th on the ladder following last week’s 54-point demolition of the Bulldogs.

Skipper Nat Fyfe starred in that game with 43 disposals, and he looms as a key figure in Sunday’s western derby.

Ladder leaders West Coast have won the past five derbies, and are full of confidence after opening their season with a 4-1 record.