Fremantle Dockers face test of depth without star midfielders

FREMANTLE’S midfield depth will be put to the ultimate test on Friday night when the Dockers face Hawthorn without star onballers Nat Fyfe and Michael Barlow.

FREMANTLE’S midfield depth will be put to the ultimate test on Friday night when the Dockers face Hawthorn without star onballers Nat Fyfe and Michael Barlow.

Barlow is expected to miss up to six weeks after injuring his left knee late in Saturday night’s win over Gold Coast, while Fyfe (two matches) and defender Zac Dawson (one match) have both accepted their bans from the match review panel.

It means David Mundy will be the only one of Fremantle’s brilliant midfield trio to face the Hawks in the Grand Final rematch at the MCG.

Melbourne recruit Colin Sylvia is in line to be called up to make his first appearance for the Dockers as Fremantle considers how to replace its blue chip midfield pair.

Dockers sports science manager Jason Weber said Barlow suffered unusual lateral collateral ligament damage.

Barlow will wear a brace for the next fortnight.

“Michael took a blow during a kick late in the fourth quarter,” Weber said.

“The blow came across his leg and forced the outside of his knee to flex out.

“It basically destabilises his knee, which puts a lot of pressure on the other structural elements of his knee, so it’s one we really have to respect.”

Known for his awkward running style, Barlow joked on twitter his setback would not affect his speed.

“Glass half full approach. Word has it that my speed and agility won’t be affected with this sideline stint....phew,’’ he tweeted.

The Hawks also have several players, including star pair Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell, under injury clouds ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster.