FREMANTLE has received the worst possible news with superstar captain Matthew Pavlich withdrawing from today's clash with Port Adelaide with a jarred knee.

His place will be taken by young gun and NAB AFL Rising Star prospect Rhys Palmer who hasn't played for a fortnight.

Pavlich, almost, single-handedly dragged his team back into the game against Melbourne last week, but Fremantle assistant coach Dean Wallis revealed the star forward had been battling with some injury “issues” and would be “rested” this week.