Aaron Sandilands and Hayden Ballantyne have been ruled out of Freo’s clash with the Lions at the Gabba, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.
Lyon added that Ed Langdon is also unlikely to make the trip to Brisbane despite kicking two goals against Collingwood last weekend.
Sandilands has been suffering from an inflamed tendon in his hamstring, according to Lyon.
“(Sandilands) won’t play. There was a slight set back and he wont play this week,” Lyon said.
“Hopefully, we’ll see him after the bye.”
“His tendon’s been a bit inflamed and stressed, which has affected strength and movement and that’s why it’s been unpredictable.
“The strength looks like he’s getting there. He ran quite well yesterday. You’ve got to get into the 90 per cent strength range.
“Fundamentally, we think he won't get there.”
Lyon acknowledged that new draftee Sean Darcy was a slight chance to make his AFL debut but said his preference was to continue with Jon Griffin as Fremantle’s lone ruckman.
“We were really pleased with Jon Griffin and his ruck work (against Collingwood),” Lyon said.
“Sean’s really growing but Jon took some marks around the ground, his ruck work was really competitive. I would think he would continue.
“(Darcy’s) probably a chance but we’re still finishing the review.”
Ballantyne, who is yet to feature in the 2017 season, is expected to resume full training with the main group this week.
“'Ballas’ will train this week and then train fully next week and be available,” Lyon said.
“But unfortunately we have the bye but he’s going to be there, it’s just the timing with games is unfortunate.”
Lyon added that Fremantle were more likely to err on the side of caution with Langdon.
“I would think he’s unlikely,” Lyon said.
“(Langdon) might think he is (ok) but sometimes you need to protect them from themselves, the young tyros are pretty fierce at getting in there.
“It’s just been niggling away, he’s been good and then he’s not good.
“He seems ok but he’ll try and push (for selection) and if he’s 100 per cent we’ll judge him but other than that we’d like to look after him.”
Tommy Sheridan, who had 29 disposals, 11 marks and six tackles for Peel against Subiaco on Saturday, is most likely to replace Langdon.
“Tommy will probably come in,” Lyon said.
“He was probably our best (playing for Peel) and there were some other solid performances down there but we thought Tommy was the standout.
“So he should be getting himself ready to play AFL footy.”
