Fremantle will be without Hayden Young for their huge AFL season opener against Geelong after the gun midfielder re-injured his hamstring.
Young suffered a low-grade hamstring injury at the beginning of February, but tweaked it again at training on Saturday.
The Dockers on Wednesday confirmed Young will be ruled out of their practice match against Melbourne on Sunday, plus at least their round-one game against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium on March 15.
"Scans have revealed a minor re-strain of his previous injury, unfortunately this will rule Hayden out of round one," said Fremantle football boss Joe Brierty.
"At this point in time, we are still finalising timelines and we will be able to see how he progresses over the next fortnight.
"We expect to see Hayden returning in the early rounds of the season."
Young, 23, averaged 23.8 disposals and kicked 13 goals last year.
Defender Josh Draper also has a hamstring strain and will have to prove his fitness for round one.
Draper has been ruled out of Sunday's practice match, while skipper Alex Pearce (ankle) will have to pass a fitness test to feature.
