Hayden Ballantyne has been all been ruled out of the Dockers’ clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday.
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Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has all but ruled out small forward Hayden Ballantyne from Saturday’s semi-final against Port Adelaide at Patersons Stadium.
Ballantyne underwent surgery yesterday after suffering a broken jaw during the Dockers’ loss to the Swans on Saturday.
The 27-year-old suffered a similar injury earlier in the season, but was able to play just four days after surgery.
However, it seems a repeat is highly unlikely.
“He’ll want to try to play, but I’ve got a duty of care,” Lyon told Perth radio station 6PR.
“It would have to be exceptional circumstances for him to play.
“We’ll give him all week (to prove his fitness). But the intention is to look after Hayden.
“We’re about the bigger picture here as well, not just sacrificing our players for a short-term gain. He’s really important to us.”
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