Exciting small forward Hayden Ballantyne is a certainty to play for Fremantle against Melbourne this week, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.
 
The All-Australian forward recieved a two-week ban for a high bump on Geelong’s Harry Taylor in Freo’s Round 2 win at Simmonds Stadium.
 
Lyon said Ballantyne was a rare commodity and both the coaching staff and playing group want him on the field.
 
“Ballas has stacked a high level of commitment and performance over a long period of time,” he said.
 
“We liaised with our leaders and, really, the whole playing group, they were unanimous that he should play.”
 
Lyon said Ballantyne brought balance to the team and eased the load on Michael Walters.
 
“We have a lot of wings, halfback, mid-types but electric small forwards are hard to find,” he said.
 
Lyon said the bump that led to Ballantyne’s suspension was not undisciplined.
 
“We didn’t see it an undisciplined act, it was a split second decision,” he said.
 
Lyon said Ballantyne was among the hardest on the training track at the club.
 
“Hayden trains that hard, we have to hold him back,” he said.
 
“We don’t expect miracles, we just expect him to do what he does which is pressure the opposition well and crumb some goals.”
 
Lyon said a squad of 25 would likely make the trip to Melbourne on Friday, with some tough decisions to come.

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Freo play Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday. Bounce down at 1.10pm.