FREMANTLE'S after-the-siren win over Collingwood could be soured by injury, with recruit Shane Kersten sent for X-rays on his ribs on Saturday.
Kersten landed heavily on the wing after a marking contest on the stroke of half-time in Mandurah, and took his time to get to his feet.
The former Geelong forward, who was quiet with just four touches before the incident, was taken to hospital soon afterwards.
Frem v Coll: full match details and stats
"He's gone off for X-rays. Chris Bond (football manager) will head off to the hospital now. His parents are aware of it," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said post-match.
"Hopefully it turns out OK, we're not too sure. It looks like ribs to me."
Kersten's injury was a low point on an otherwise promising day for the Dockers, who defeated the Pies by two points thanks to Ed Langdon's ice-cold set shot after the final siren.
Langdon calmly took his time before slotting the goal from about 40m and sprinting off to celebrate with his teammates.
"To see the passion of Ed Langdon at the end … he might get that in round one where he has a shot for goal," Lyon said.
"So to go through that and be serious about it, capitalise and then enjoy that moment … it was indicative of where we're at – a young, passionate group being well led at the minute by some experienced players."
The Dockers' midfield brigade put in a much-improved showing after being swamped by West Coast last Saturday, with giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands dominating the centre square in his comeback and Lachie Neale also getting through unscathed on a 37-degree day.
Freo easily won the disposal count (+21), clearances (+11), inside 50s (+16) and contested ball (+12) against a strong Pies engine room.
HIGHLIGHTS: Fremantle v Collingwood
"We had a strong week on the track where they were really focused and we needed a bit of a response," Lyon said.
"I thought it was really quite pleasing that Aaron came back and influenced and Lachie Neale got a game under his belt.
"And then there were some really good signs with us in all areas, I thought our forward pressure was as good as it's been for a while.
"It was a step forward."
Docker Shane Kersten has been sent in for x-rays on his ribs following this clash earlier today: https://t.co/Yk76j5pM6Q pic.twitter.com/k58yFhZ1qA
— AFL (@AFL) March 4, 2017
Pies coach Nathan Buckley was pleased with his side's efficiency, with 17 scoring shots from only 32 forward 50 entries, but lamented Sandilands' dominance at centre bounces and Collingwood's turnovers in defence.
Buckley praised American big man Mason Cox, who booted three goals and had a huge presence in attack after playing 11 games and kicking 17 majors in his debut season last year.
WATCH: Nathan Buckley's full post-match media conference
"He's still learning the game, there's still massive areas of growth for him, and if he continues to bring the right attitude he could still be anything for us," Buckley said.
Star forward Jamie Elliott (ankle), Josh Smith (ankle) and gun defender Ben Reid could be among the inclusions for Collingwood's final pre-season hit-out against Richmond.
Reid was one of several Pies to get through a practice match unscathed on Friday night coming back from posterior cruciate ligament surgery.
However, Buckley conceded star recruit Daniel Wells still had "a little bit of work to do" before he makes his club debut after ongoing calf trouble.
"The clock's ticking, we're three weeks away from round one, but we also won't be forcing him in before he's ready."
Ice cold from Ed Langdon! What a way to win #JLTSeries pic.twitter.com/qDb704xf19
— AFL (@AFL) March 4, 2017