The Dockers have suffered a major blow as they look to bounce back from a horrid 2016, with small forward Hayden Balayntyne set to miss up to 10 weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Ballantyne sustained the injury during the Dockers' final JLT Series match against Carlton on Friday night.
The club initially hoped it would only be a three to four week injury, however, scans on his left hamstring have revealed tendon damage, meaning he will require surgery.
“At this stage the medical advice is that Hayden will require a rehabilitation phase of eight to 10 weeks,” general manager of football operations Chris Bond said.
“Once the rehabilitation process is completed and given Hayden’s strong pre-season, we expect him to make a significant contribution on his return to football.”
Meanwhile, young forward Michael Apeness, who played five games last season, will be sidelined for six to eight weeks after suffering a tear in his posterior cruciate ligament while playing for Peel in the WAFL over the weekend.
