FREMANTLE midfielder Michael Barlow was sent to hospital after copping a nasty knock to the face in a marking contest during the last quarter of the Dockers' 38-point win at Patersons Stadium over North Melbourne.

 

Barlow, who was the leading ball winner for the Dockers with 31 disposals and a goal, was sent for precautionary scans to find out the extent of the damage.

 

"We're not certain yet. There's a bit of swelling," Dockers coach Ross Lyon said in the post-match press conference.

 

"We'll know more hopefully in a short period of time and we'll be able to let everyone know once we firm everything up.

 

"It's around his face region. It was really courageous. He never takes his eye off the ball. He set a real standard for the team today.

 

"He's been one of our best players."

 

Lyon said it was too early to tell whether Barlow would be OK to line up for the Dockers in their crucial clash with Geelong at Simonds Stadium next Saturday night.

 

"Depending on what it is he might be OK, but if he's not we know it's a definitive period when he gets back," Lyon said.

 

"He won't change the way he plays. To do what he's done, to get back to his best form off significant injury is a real credit to him."

 

Barlow's performance was even more impressive given the absence of David Mundy who was a late withdrawal due to a calf injury.

 

"Yeah it's on the real minor end," Lyon said.

 

"He'll run tomorrow. We thought he'd play all week. We thought we'd give it time, so we're really optimistic he'll be ready for Geelong but if he's not there will be no risk."

 

Stephen Hill also copped a knock to the shoulder during the last quarter but should be fine to face the Cats.

 

Matthew Pavlich will also come into contention for his first game since round three following plantaris tendon surgery in his foot.