Fremantle's hopes of causing a western derby upset in the AFL have received a huge blow after star midfielder Stephen Hill was ruled out for three to four weeks with a hamstring injury.
Hill injured his right hamstring in the final term of Saturday night's five-point win over North Melbourne in Perth.
He stayed involved in the play for several more minutes while action continued around him - and even picked up a disposal - before limping to the bench.
Hill will miss games against West Coast, Essendon, and Richmond, but is a chance to return for the May 21 clash with Carlton in Perth.
The 26-year-old has played a key role in Freo's form reversal over the past three weeks.
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The Dockers were in danger of crashing in to wooden spoon territory after opening the season with big losses to Geelong and Port Adelaide.
However, wins over the Bulldogs, Melbourne, and the Kangaroos have revived Fremantle's finals hopes.
Hill has averaged 25 possessions per game this season and his absence against West Coast on Saturday night will leave a huge void.
The Eagles have injury concerns of their own with Andrew Gaff (ankle), Jamie Cripps (ankle), and Brad Sheppard (knee) all in some doubt.
West Coast are hopeful Sam Mitchell, who missed last week's loss to Hawthorn with an ankle injury, will return against the Dockers.
Mitchell will have to pass a series of fitness tests this week before being given the green light to face Fremantle.
Both sides enter the derby at 3-2 but most of the pressure will be on West Coast given the lofty expectations placed on them this season.
The Eagles' premiership hopes took a major hit after Sunday's 51-point loss to Hawthorn.
The defeat was the second time this season West Coast have lost at the MCG, casting doubts on whether the Eagles can play well at the famed venue.
West Coast have won the past three western derbies and hold a 24-20 lead in the overall head-to-head battle.
