FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says he has reassured disgruntled player manager Colin Young after he voiced "serious concerns" over the Dockers' injury rehabilitation programs.
FULL INJURY LIST Who's ruled out and who's a test?
Young has negotiated early exits for two of his clients, Harley Bennell and Shane Kersten, from their expiring contracts to undergo individual recovery plans after both failed to get on the park for the Dockers this season.
He also called for a review into Fremantle's medical department and immediate changes or "the club is going nowhere".
Shane Kersten cut ties with the Dockers this week. Picture: AFL Photos
Asked if he had spoken to Young – who still has 15 players on his books at the Dockers – about his concerns, Lyon insisted the pair had "a really good conversation" on Thursday.
"He just rang to clarify context of his comments really, because he felt they were taken out of context," Lyon said.
"But I said 'mate, that's not unusual, so relax'.
"I think if you've got players at your club and there's been some long-term concern, you're entitled to ask and contact the club. He's got a very close working relationship, in particular with (CEO) Steve Rosich.
"You'd like the vehicles to remain private, but no one is working harder to explore and find solutions than our medical and conditioning team."
The Dockers have been hampered by setbacks to key players, and might have lost big man Rory Lobb for the season after he bravely played with a shoulder injury last round against the Bulldogs.
That defeat has all-but ended Fremantle's finals hopes, and half-back Nathan Wilson has also come out of the line-up after managing a toe issue over the past month.
Lyon hoped Wilson would be back this season, while defender Luke Ryan (hamstring) won't be back before the final round clash with Port Adelaide, if at all.
He just rang to clarify context of his comments, because he felt they were taken out of context - Ross Lyon on Colin Young
Despite Lobb joining key forwards Jesse Hogan (foot) and Matt Taberner (foot) on the sidelines, Lyon resisted calling up enigmatic goalkicker Cam McCarthy.
McCarthy was dropped after booting two majors in his previous three matches and didn't have the chance to impress last week while WAFL affiliate Peel had the bye.
"Cam has played some really good games and Cam is clear on what he needs to work on," Lyon said.
"There's still plenty to go here for us, so hopefully he goes to Peel, plays a really good game and finds himself back in the seniors.
"We'd love that to happen."
Veteran goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne has been dropped after just his second appearance for 2019 and might have played his last game in purple as the Dockers turn to youth.
For Saturday's clash with Geelong they have included developing players Sam Switkowski, Bailey Banfield, Mitchell Crowden, Ethan Hughes and debutant Jason Carter.
"It's not something for me to answer (if Ballantyne has played his last game), there's four games to go," Lyon said.
"Hayden's certainly going to play for Peel and push for selection next week.
"It's tough at all times for all players, you care for all your players. But he's a hard-nosed pro, he trained really well, he's leading the group, he's vocal, he's a passionate Docker person.
"If we both keep the big picture in mind, things are good, things are really good."
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