Minor surgery for Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow

UPDATE: MICHAEL Barlow remains an outside chance to take on Geelong in Fremantle's top-four clash at Simonds Stadium this Saturday night.

Michael Barlow

MICHAEL Barlow remains an outside chance to take on Geelong in Fremantle's top-four clash at Simonds Stadium this Saturday night.

Freo said on Monday afternoon the courageous midfielder had "undergone a minor procedure" after being injured in a marking contest during Sunday afternoon's 38-point win over North Melbourne.

Barlow had his near best-afield outing the Dockers' impressive defensive execution of North Melbourne in Perth yesterday soured when he left the field deep into the final term with a facial injury.

Fears escalated in the wake of Barlow’s injury assessment after the game that he had suffered a broken jaw or cheekbone.

"Michael is really upbeat and positive about getting back out and playing," general manager of football operations Chris Bond said.

"He will be at home recovering later today and, at this stage, we are not discounting the possibility of Michael being available to play this week or next week."

And the Dockers expect David Mundy will be available for Saturday night's blockbuster.

Mundy, 27, was a surprise withdrawal when the big possession-winning onballer failed to recover from a slight calf strain.

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Coach Ross Lyon revealed on Sunday night that he was confident Mundy would play against the Cats.

The Dockers climbed into outright third spot on the congested AFL premiership ladder with their eighth consecutive unbeaten engagement and take over second from the Cats with a rare away victory in Geelong under lights on Saturday.

Fremantle has only one win from 12 trips to Geelong since joining the AFL in 1995, while the Cats have won 42 or their last 44 on their cherished home patch.

Lyon was optimistic that Mundy would play after revealing that the veteran play-maker had been withdrawn more as a precaution than with the severity of his injury.

“It’s on the really minor side,” Lyon said.

“He will run (Monday) tomorrow and he will train.

“We thought he would play all week.

“We thought we would give him time.

“We are really optimistic that he will be ready for Geelong.

“But if he is not, there will be no risk.”

Fremantle’s jump into third ahead of reigning premiers Sydney opened up with the shock loss by the Swans to Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

The Dockers were level on 34 points heading into their Round 13 appointments after Fremantle and the Swans fought a thrilling draw at the SCG in Round 8.

Fremantle has not lost a game since a seven-goal drubbing from raging premiership favourite Hawthorn at Launceston in Round 4.