Docker Barlow seen on crutches in Perth

Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow has been added to the club’s list of injury concerns after returning home on crutches from last week’s qualifying final loss to Sydney.

Barlow tallied 28 possessions against the Swans, but was seen on crutches upon his return to Perth and is in some doubt to take on Port Adelaide in Saturday’s semi-final at Patersons Stadium.

It remains unclear whether Barlow suffered a notable injury, or was just using the crutches as a precaution.

Another player facing a nervous week is star goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne, who will undergo surgery after breaking his jaw against the Swans.

Ballantyne also broke his jaw in round eight this year, but was able to play a key role against Geelong just four days after undergoing minor surgery.

The Dockers are hopeful Ballantyne can repeat that effort this week in a match the club must win in order to keep their flag hopes alive.

But All-Australian defender Luke McPharlin, who has been sidelined for the past four weeks with a calf injury, is unlikely to return against the Power.

Port Adelaide also have a major injury concern of their own, with speedster Matt White set to miss Saturday’s semi-final after suffering a suspected broken jaw in Sunday’s 57-point win over Richmond.

The Dockers beat Port Adelaide by just eight points when the teams last met two weeks ago, but Fremantle were missing star midfielder Nat Fyfe in that match.

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