Docker Ballantyne unlikely to face Port

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says it will take “exceptional circumstances” for Hayden Ballantyne to play this week, but he’s optimistic star midfielder Michael Barlow will be fit.

Ballantyne is in grave doubt for Saturday night’s semi-final showdown against Port Adelaide in Perth after undergoing surgery to fix his broken jaw on Monday.

The 27-year-old suffered a similar injury earlier this year, but was able to play just four days after undergoing surgery.

However, it seems a repeat is unlikely.

“He’ll want to try to play, but I’ve got a duty of care,” Lyon told Perth radio station 6PR.

“It would have to be exceptional circumstances for him to play.

“We’ll give him all week (to prove his fitness). But the intention is to look after Hayden.

“We’re about the bigger picture here as well, not just sacrificing our players for a short-term gain. He’s really important to us.”

Barlow returned to Perth on crutches and was in a moon boot on Monday, but is expected to be fit to tackle Port Adelaide.

“He’s had a sore foot or toe,” Lyon said.

“He was a bit worried after the game. They had him in a moon boot as a precaution. But I’m quite confident that he’ll get up.”

The likely loss of Ballantyne is a huge blow to the Dockers.

Ballantyne has kicked a team-high 49 goals this season, while his frenetic pressure has also created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Port Adelaide speedster Matt White is also in doubt for Saturday’s match after breaking his jaw in last week’s win over Richmond.

Unlike Ballantyne, White is set to avoid the surgeon’s knife.

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