Freo general manager of football Chris Bond said on the club's HBF Health Centre Injury Update that the 23-year-old was struggling with a calf injury and would miss 1-2 more weeks.
The Bombers 148-point mauling of hapless Melbourne was built on the back of a ruck master-class from Patrick Ryder and Tom Bellchambers.
The pair tallied a phenomenal 20-7 win in hitouts to advantage - a very high 50 per cent success rate.
Earlier in the week, Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon was hopeful Clarke could take his place in Freo’s line-up on Friday
“Watching Ryder and Bellchambers running around, it would be nice to have Zac,” Lyon said on 6PR’s Sports Today on Monday.
Lyon was full of praise for Essendon, who have endured a tumultuous pre-season but are undefeated after two impressive victories over Adelaide (at AAMI Stadium) and the Demons.
“They are red hot aren’t they,” he said.
“When you go through their list they have more first round draft picks than almost any club in the competition, bar the expansion clubs.
“They have height at both ends, (in-form) ruckmen, and dangerous small forwards.”
The former St Kilda coach also lauded his former player, Brendan Goddard, who joined the Bombers from the Saints at the end of last season.
“What a complement to their midfield to get a 200-game elite midfielder still at his prime to compliment (Jobe) Watson and (David) Zaharakis,” Lyon said.
“I think they are the full bottle, and the off-field dramas certainly haven’t affected them.
“We know we are up for a big challenge.”
Lyon added that Hayden Ballantyne just needed to get through training to return to the team.
The small forward was suspended for round 2, but the senior coach said he was “automatic” when fit and firing.
In Ballantyne’s absence, second-year player Hayden Crozier came in and performed strongly with two goals and impressive defensive pressure up forward.
Add the excellent nine-disposal last quarter from substitute Cam Sutcliffe, and the selectors face a difficult decision on Thursday.
“Both the young blokes, Sutcliffe and Crozier, contributed strongly when given the opportunity,” Lyon said.
Lyon also dispelled any doubts on the fitness of defender Michael Johnson, who came off injured in round 2.
“He’s fine,” the senior coach said.
“Michael is a real team leader for us. It would have been unfortunate to see him go down, but he’s fine.”
