Hayden Ballantyne may be small in stature but the void left in the team by his long-term stint on the sidelines will be anything but.

The All Australian forward ruptured his pectoral tendon during Saturday night’s win over Carlton and on Monday was ruled out for the reminder of the home and away season.

Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon hinted that Hayden Crozier is the likely replacement for Ballantyne while other players are in the mix to play Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

“Crozier would come straight in, he’s earned his opportunity and he is an important part of us going forward,” Lyon said.

HBF Injury Update: Tackle tear

“We respect Hayden and we’ll miss him…it’s just another challenge we’ll get over.”

Lyon said Clancee Pearce performed well for Peel Thunder, after he was omitted for the first time this year, with 40 touches and a goal.

“On the raw numbers he went pretty well,” he said.

“We’ve been thrilled with Ed Langdon in particular, he’s a running machine.

“Lachie Weller, speed and skill and Connor Blakeley, a big inside mid.”

Fremantle play Richmond at the MCG on Saturday July 25. Bounce down is at 4.35pm local time.