Fremantle ruckman Zac Clarke will miss the first half of the AFL season after again aggravating a persistent knee injury.
The injury-plagued big man last week had another round of surgery for fractures in the patella of his left knee.
He initially went under the knife at the end of last season but tweaked the injury in December in the gym.
Dockers football boss Chris Bond said Clarke should be able to get back on the field later this season.
"The medical advice we were provided after Zac's recent surgery is that his rehabilitation phase means he will be available to resume full training in the second half of the season," Bond said on Thursday.
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"We will continue to monitor and assess Zac's progress regarding his likely return date."
Clarke played just 13 games last season and was publicly called out by coach Ross Lyon for his poor form.
The 26-year-old had a breakout year in 2013 but had struggled in recent years to stay fit and injury-free.
