Important Fremantle defender Ash Brazill has been ruled out of today’s do-or-die clash with Essendon, just hours out from bouncedown.

The former dual-code star was named in the 21 to face the Bombers in the elimination final at Fremantle Oval on Saturday, despite being sidelined for a fortnight with an ankle injury.

The 34-year-old failed to pass a fitness test this morning and will be replaced in the selected side by midfielder Joanne Cregg, who was initially omitted to make way for the veteran.

Brazill was spotted in a moon boot at training this week as Dockers coach Lisa Webb said she would give her “every chance” to play.

“We’ve gone a bit cautious with her, obviously she’s a really important player for us,” she said.

“She’s certainly developing but we wanted to protect her and put her in the (moon) boot.”

The former netballer has been an important cog in the Dockers’ defence since she crossed from Collingwood at the end of last season after 32 games in black and white.

Brazill played the first 10 games of the season before the untimely injury against Greater Western Sydney in round nine, missing the

Star captain Bonnie Toogood was the only Bomber from last week to come out of their side. She was replaced by Emily Gough.

Essendon’s women’s team lost their only final last year when they went down to Geelong in an elimination final, while the men’s team haven’t won a final since 2004.

Meanwhile, the Dockers return to finals for the first time in three seasons after failing to qualify over the past two campaigns.