Fremantle defender Garrick Ibbotson is in danger of missing the start of the AFL finals series after a slower-than-expected recovery from an Achilles tendon injury.
Ibbotson will miss his fourth straight match when the Dockers take on Port Adelaide at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old was initially only meant to miss the one match due to soreness in the area.
But coach Ross Lyon says Ibbotson has failed to get over the “hump” when putting his Achilles tendon to the test at training.
Ibbotson had been in All-Australian form before the injury, playing a vital role as a rebounding defender in Fremantle’s surge into the top-four.
The 188cm backman will have just a fortnight to prove his fitness on the training track if he is to take part in Fremantle’s qualifying final.
“He’s starting to get to the concerning stage, which is disappointing for Garrick and us,” Lyon said on Thursday.
“Just a niggling Achilles.”
Goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne (shoulder) remains in doubt for Saturday’s clash with the Power, while ruckman Aaron Sandilands will miss the match due to a fractured cheekbone.