Fremantle dynamo forward Hayden Ballantyne says he is doing everything he can to be available to play the first week of the finals.
Ballantyne has been sidelined since tearing his pectoral tendon in round 16 against Carlton but is in the mix to play next week.
It was a brutal injury, with his tendon pulling from the bone during a tackle.
Ballantyne said he still remembers the popping sound.
Finals pressure a reward, not hindrance
The All Australian is as eager as ever to get on field.
“I’m ticking all the boxes and getting ready to play next week, as long as Ross (Lyon) picks me,” he said.
“I’ve been telling everyone I’ve been ready to play.
“I’m ready to go.
“I’d prefer to be out there than sat on the sidelines.
“It’s been frustrating but finals is just around the corner.”
Ballantyne said he had pulled up well after a tough training session on Thursday.
“It feels really good, I did some tackling…got a few hits on it from training,” he said.
“The surgeons and doctors are making sure I tick all the boxes and have some good strength in it.”
