Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has thrown his support behind out-of-form veteran Hayden Ballantyne, hinting he wants to re-sign the goalsneak for 2018.
Ballantyne has been grounded for most of the AFL season with hamstring issues, and kicked just one goal from eight disposals in Sunday's western derby loss to West Coast.
The week before, he went goalless from four disposals in the narrow win over North Melbourne.
Ballantyne is out of contract at the end of this season, and another serious injury could spell the end for the 30-year-old.
Further complicating matters is the prospect of Fremantle signing out-of-contract Gold Coast forward Brandon Matera for next season.
But if Ballantyne can stay fit for the rest of the year, his chances of securing a new one-year deal appear good.
"My position is I really value Hayden Ballantyne, so that's a pretty strong endorsement for Hayden," Lyon said on Wednesday.
"You need senior players with great character and work ethic to bring your young players through, like Aaron Sandilands.
"That's what you really need and hopefully Hayden can be a part of that."
Lyon declared Ballantyne a certain starter for Saturday night's clash with Hawthorn at Domain Stadium.
Ballantyne has now played four straight games since returning from hamstring surgery, and Lyon expects the 145-game veteran to return to top form soon.
"I think he's ready to sort of pop over the ensuing games of the season," Lyon said.
"He could have kicked four goals (against West Coast), all we had to do was kick it a bit better.
"His spot is not in doubt
"I think his leadership and intensity has been super."
The Dockers received a dose of good news this week when star midfielder Stephen Hill was cleared of any serious damage to his left shoulder.
Hill dislocated the shoulder in Sunday's derby loss, but has been cleared to face the Hawks.
Forward Cameron McCarthy is set to return after serving his two-match ban, but spearhead Shane Kersten is under pressure after booting just four goals in his past six games.
If Kersten is dropped, Matt Taberner could earn a recall after booting a combined 11 goals in his past two WAFL matches.
Share
