Defender Antoni Grover underwent shoulder surgery today, ruling him out against Richmond on Saturday and also against Collingwood under lights next Friday night at Subiaco Oval.

It was decided that in the best interests of Antoni, and to give him the best opportunity to prepare for the 2009 pre-season, that he undergo surgery immediately. His expected recovery period is about 12 weeks.

The good news for Fremantle is that classy midfielder Des Headland will finally make his long-awaited return to the line up for the Tigers clash this Saturday at the MCG.

Des hasn’t played since succumbing to a knee injury in round 4, which was the last time these two sides met this season.

Assistant coach Chris Scott is convinced his return will boost the group.

"He's really excited. One of the reasons we were keen to get him back is because he has worked so hard to do so and we want to reward him," Chris said.

"He will be a little nervous, which is good because it brings some freshness and new enthusiasm to the side, and we all know that he is very valuable when he gets the ball in his hands."

Josh Carr will also return from a hip injury which saw him sidelined against St Kilda last weekend.

Making way for Josh and Des are Antoni Grover (injured) and Andrew Browne (injured).

Brock O'Brien was also unavailable for selection this week after injuring his wrist last weekend in a WAFL game for Peel. Brock's injured wrist is in a cast and he is awaiting a specialist's opinion to see whether he will also have to undergo surgery.

Round 21 – Saturday 23 August
Fremantle vs. Richmond
MCG - Bouncedown at 2:10pm EST

Fremantle Team – Round 21 v Richmond
B: Thornton, Mi Johnson, Mundy
HB: Dodd, McPharlin, Hayden
C: Ibbotson, Crowley, Headland
HF: Schammer, Bradley, Farmer
F: Campbell, Pavlich, Ma Johnson
FOLL: Sandilands, Carr, Palmer
I/C: Drum, Mayne, Duffield, Peake

In: Carr, Headland
Out: Grover (Inj), Browne (inj)