FREMANTLE key defender Luke McPharlin has been substituted out of Saturday night's clash with Melbourne at Patersons Stadium with a suspected hamstring injury.
The 30-year-old, who is in All Australian form, left the ground 10 minutes into the third quarter and completed a series of leg stretches on the sidelines before placing ice on his right hamstring.
He was replaced by substitute midfielder Tom Sheridan, who made his debut.
The loss of McPharlin, who takes the opposition's No.1 key forward, would be a big blow for Fremantle on the eve of the finals, with a likely clash against Geelong looming next weekend.
The key defender has only missed one game this season, forming a strong partnership with former St Kilda full-back Zac Dawson.
Antoni Grover, who has announced he will retire at the end of this season, is a potential replacement if McPharlin is sidelined. Alex Silvagni has also battled for opportunities this season but is available.
Nathan Schmook covers Fremantle news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
