Fremantle are hopeful to have Michael Walters return for their final game of the 2023 season against Hawthorn on Saturday at the MCG.

Freo will have to make at least two forced changes however, with Jaeger O’Meara (calf) and Bailey Banfield (shoulder) ruled out.

Walters sat out Freo’s round 23 clash against Port Adelaide due to a calf concern and High Performance Manager Phil Merriman expects Walters to return, providing he gets through the week without issue.

“Michael had a minor calf complaint late last week,” Merriman said.

“We decided to make the call to get him right this week.

“He’ll just make sure he finishes and completes main training this week to be available for selection.”

Merriman said O’Meara and Banfield would not have interrupted pre-seasons from the injuries they sustained against Port Adelaide.

“Jaeger had a calf injury in the second quarter,” Merriman said.

“Over the next two to three weeks he will be getting that right to have a full off-season and bounce into pre-season.

“Bailey has an AC joint injury. He’s going to see the specialist this week to work out if there’s any surgical options required there.

“That still shouldn’t affect his return to pre-season in December.”

INJURY LIST
Michael Walters (calf) – Test
Bailey Banfield (shoulder) – Season
Jaeger O’Meara (calf) – Season
Ethan Hughes (ankle) – Season
Heath Chapman (shoulder) - Season
Sean Darcy (ankle) – Season
Brandon Walker (knee) – Season
Nat Fyfe (foot) – Season
Sebit Kuek (knee) - Season

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