All Australian forward Hayden Ballantyne has been eagerly calling and texting Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon, as he presses his claim for return to AFL footy in round 23.
Ballantyne has not played since round 16, when he tore his pectoral tendon, but has been progressing strongly through his rehabilitation.
Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon said the dynamic forward was keen to play against Port Adelaide on Saturday.
“He’d want to play this week,” he said.
“He will train today, he’s flying.
“He was ringing me and texting me, so I think he’s pretty keen.”
Lyon said fellow small forward Michael Walters, who was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s clash with Melbourne due to a calf injury, would not make the trip to Adelaide Oval.
“We wouldn’t take a risk with him…he has a few more boxes to tick,” he said.
Lyon ruled out Luke McPharlin, Aaron Sandilands, Matthew Pavlich, David Mundy, Stephen Hill and Less Spurr for the match at Adelaide Oval.
Fremantle may rest up to 11 players for the match.
