The road back to the AFL for forward Hayden Ballantyne may include a homecoming to his former WAFL side, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.
Both Ballantyne and midfielder Stephen Hill are a chance to return from hamstring injuries this Sunday against Carlton at Domain Stadium, but Lyon added that the club will also consider sending Ballantyne to Peel as a part of the recovery process.
Peel play the Perth Demons this week at Lathlain Park on Saturday, the day before Fremantle face Carlton.
“They’ve got to get through the week,” Lyon said.
“Currently they’re on target to be available to play football but where they play - we’ll make those decisions as it comes to hand.”
Ballantyne is yet to make an appearance in the 2017 AFL season after injuring his hamstring against Carlton in the JLT Community Series on Friday, March 11 at Domain Stadium.
Lyon conceded that he was more likely to consider Ballantyne for a Peel start due to a longer stint on the sidelines than Hill, who injured his hamstring in round five against North Melbourne.
“We’ll consider (sending Ballantyne to Peel), we’ve got to get through the week and anything could happen in the next two sessions,” Lyon said.
“Logic would dictate that Stephen’s a bit more advanced on the whole year than Hayden is.
“But neither of them are certainties to come back and play.”
Brady Grey is listed as a test alongside Ballantyne and Hill for Sunday’s game and Lyon was confident about the young utility’s chances of facing Carlton.
Grey came off after being tackled in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s clash with the Tigers but returned late in the game.
“(Grey’s chances are) really good, it would take a German tank to stop him I would think,” Lyon said.
“He probably wont train today, he had a slight sublux (shoulder subluxation) but people play with them all the time.
“They strap him up and as long as the strength is ok you tend to be fine.”
Lyon credited Grey’s tenacity, which the 21-year-old has shown since his elevation from the rookie list ahead of Fremantle’s win in round three against the Western Bulldogs.
Grey has played all six games since his return to the senior list, with Fremantle winning five of those contests.
“I would think he’ll be knocking on my door saying I’m playing.,” Lyon said.
“He’s a real competitor, he’s very physical.
“Players that invest a lot don’t tend to surrender easily so he’s one that’s has to fight his way. He’s invested a lot.
“Like anyone, when you invest a lot you don’t tend to give up very quickly.”
