FREMANTLE midfielder Michael Barlow will miss from four to six weeks because of a knee injury, further stretching the Dockers ahead of Friday night's Grand Final rematch.
Barlow, who rediscovered his best football last season and had been among his team's stars in the opening two rounds, suffered a lateral sprain in a ligament in his left knee.
Dockers football manager Chris Bond confirmed the news on Tuesday.
"It was in the last quarter," Bond said.
"He played out the rest of the game and as we all know had a huge effect on the game and then woke up the next morning a bit sore.
"It's similar to something Ryan Crowley had a few years ago so they'll work off that rehab program.
"It's a four to six week injury but he is exceptional at his rehab and we're hoping that maybe it is a bit earlier."
Dockers football manager Chris Bond confirmed the news on Tuesday.
"It was in the last quarter," Bond said.
"He played out the rest of the game and as we all know had a huge effect on the game and then woke up the next morning a bit sore.
"It's similar to something Ryan Crowley had a few years ago so they'll work off that rehab program.
"It's a four to six week injury but he is exceptional at his rehab and we're hoping that maybe it is a bit earlier."
Fremantle will be without gun midfielder Nat Fyfe and important defender Zac Dawson for Friday night's clash against the Hawks at the MCG after both accepted suspensions from the Match Review Panel.
Bond believes the rules regarding both incidents were well known and the Dockers had no choice but to accept the suspensions.
"It was very clear and all our advice suggested that we wouldn't be successful with it," Bond said.
"If we weren't successful then both Nat and Zac would have a substantial amount of carryover points that would have to continue for twelve months so the decision was made to accept it."
Midfielders Lachie Neale and Hayden Crozier and defenders Garrick Ibbotson and Alex Silvagni are among those pushing for inclusion this week.
Barlow has averaged 30 possessions and kicked three goals in Fremantle's 2-0 start to the season, receiving votes in the AFL Coaches' Association champion player award in both matches.
The 26-year-old was the Dockers' leading possession-winner in 2013, averaging 26.5 a game and starring in the club's historic qualifying final win against Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
The former rookie endured a long recovery from a broken leg at the end of 2010 and the start of 2011.
He was among the favourites for the 2014 Brownlow Medal before injury struck.
