The potential inclusion of Hayden Ballantyne for this Sunday’s clash with Geelong at Simonds Stadium will be a boost for Fremantle’s forwardline, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.

Ballantyne is yet to make an appearance for Fremantle in 2017 after injuring his hamstring in the JLT Series and Lyon said the small forward has trained hard enough to reclaim his spot.

“If (Ballantyne) ticks all the boxes he’ll more than likely play,” Lyon said. 

“We’d like to get him up. I think he deserves that. 

“You know how hard he trains and he really competes and it would be good to have his leadership as well.

“But he’s got to get through (training) today and Friday but we think we’ll pick him.” 

The 141-game player adds a wealth of experience to Fremantle’s forwarline, with the 29-year-old vying to join Cam McCarthy (21), Shane Kersten (24) and Hayden Crozier (23) up front against Geelong

“It’s really important. (There’s) commentary about how hard it is to play forward now,” Lyon said.

“There’s a lot of sacrificial running, there’s a lot of defensive work and team defences are so strong opposition work so well together it’s so hard to get that pure one-on-one opportunities.

“We’re young up front and inexperienced compared to where we were so we would like to think (Ballantyne) will be able to help that.”

Lyon added that Fremantle would be stronger with Ballantyne’s trademark tenacity.

“Everyone has their own personal brand so to speak and (Ballantyne’s) brand is one of energy and competing and that’s why he’s sustained AFL football at a high level,” Lyon said.

“We really value him and he’s been super.”