FREMANTLE midfielder Harley Balic has been granted indefinite leave from the club to deal with a personal issue.

The second-year Docker missed Sunday's win over Richmond, with the club's official reason for his absence stated as "illness", and Balic wasn't sighted at training on Wednesday morning.

"The club and Harley have agreed that it is in his best long-term interest to take a leave of absence to deal with a personal issue," general manager of football operations Chris Bond said in a statement.

"As we do with all of our players, we will continue to provide Harley with all the support and resources that he requires.

"Harley has acquitted himself well in four games for Fremantle since making his debut in round three this season and we look forward to his future contribution to the club."

Balic, who was taken with pick 38 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, has been a solid contributor in his four games this season.

The 20-year-old inside midfielder missed the round five victory against North Melbourne due to a hip issue, but returned the following weekend in the Western Derby.

Balic has averaged 13 disposals and booted three goals in purple this year, after wrist surgery all-but ruined his 2016 campaign.

He returned late in the season and featured in Peel Thunder's maiden WAFL premiership.

It has been an eventful week off the field for the Dockers, who fined Harley Bennell $10,000 – half suspended – and ordered him to undergo counseling after a bizarre incident at a Thunder match on Saturday.