Fremantle have been dealt a severe blow a fortnight out from the AFL season with key forward Scott Gumbleton sidelined for three months.
Scans have revealed a serious tear in Gumbleton's right hamstring, continuing a shocking run of injuries for the luckless 25-year-old - the former No.2 draft pick has played just 35 games since his 2007 debut.
Gumbleton suffered the injury in Wednesday's AFL pre-season clash with the Western Bulldogs and was immediately subbed off.
The Dockers, grand finalists last season, had been hopeful Gumbleton would miss just three weeks - but they were delivered far more serious news on Saturday.
"It's very frustrating for Scott given the preparation he has had," the club's general manager of football operations Chris Bond said.
"At this stage, we expect that he will miss the next 12 weeks."
