FREMANTLE has confirmed Michael Walters' season is over after he suffered a minor tear to the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee late in Saturday night's loss to Hawthorn.
But Walters has avoided surgery and the livewire mid/forward should be ready for day one of pre-season.
"The good news is that it was only a minor tear to the PCL and Michael will not require surgery," general manager of football operations Chris Bond said.
"Our medical advice is that Michael will have a rehabilitation phase of six-to-eight weeks, and on that basis we are confident that he will be fit and available for day one of the 2018 pre-season program."
The injury is not just a blow for Freo, which has lost seven of the past eight games, but to Walters' chances of earning All Australian selection for the first time.
The 26-year-old has been in blistering form since overcoming an ankle issue earlier in the season, thanks largely to spending more time in the engine room, particularly at centre bounces.
Walters booted six goals from 32 touches against St Kilda in round 15 and has averaged career-high disposal (19.3) and clearance (2.8) numbers this year.
He is also currently leading Freo's goalkicking with 22 majors and would be most likely be vying with Lachie Neale, Nat Fyfe and Bradley Hill for the Doig Medal.
Despite the setback, Walters, who had a delayed start to pre-season after playing the 2013 Grand Final with a PCL strain in his left knee, believed he still has plenty to offer his teammates off the field for the rest of the season.
"Nothing’s going to stop me from being motivated now, albeit I’m going to be out for the next five games," Walters said.
"But as a leader I still want to be there for the younger boys and the other leaders.
"There’s no doubt that in the meetings I’m going to be the same old me and vocal. Even around the corridors, I’ll still be having those discussions with the younger boys and younger forwards.
"It will allow me to get fit over the off-season and make sure I’m back for day one of the pre-season.
"Hopefully, I'll come back fitter and stronger than ever."
