Defender Joel Hamling is set to have season-ending surgery on his injured ankle, according to executive general manager of football Peter Bell.
Hamling last played in round one against Melbourne, where he re-injured the same ankle that kept him out for the 2020 season.
Bell said Hamling would have surgery in Melbourne on Monday evening.
“With Joel it’s been well documented his struggles with his ankle injury,” Bell said.
“A decision was reached that he’d go in for some surgery that is happening this evening and we’re hoping for a really good outcome.
“Unfortunately for Joel and the club, that will rule him out for the rest of the season.”
Bell said Stephen Hill was pushing for a return to football via the WAFL.
“Stephen’s been training really hard and at this stage, if he’s able to get back to Western Australia, there’ll be some minutes for him at Peel this weekend - providing he gets through main training on Wednesday ok,” Bell said.
Captain Nat Fyfe is set to play his 200th AFL game against Hawthorn after making his return from a dislocated shoulder.
“He pulled up a little bit sore through that shoulder. That’s probably going to be the case for the rest of the year,” Bell said.
“At this stage, it’s looking really promising and we’re all looking forward to seeing one of Fremantle’s greatest-ever players reach his 200th game milestone this weekend, most likely in Tasmania.”
INJURY LIST Round 17
Stephen Hill (hamstring) – Test
Matt Taberner (calf) – 2-3 weeks
Michael Frederick (ankle) – 6 weeks
Joel Hamling (ankle) – Season
Sam Sturt (knee) – Season
Heath Chapman (shoulder) – Season
Brennan Cox (hamstring) - Season
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