PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Matthew Johnson of Western Australia is tackled by Adam DAloia of South Australia during the 2021 U19 Championship match between Western Australia and South Australia at Optus Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Fremantle teenager Matthew Johnson is set to face the next month on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury this pre-season.
The Subiaco product had already begun to turn heads at training this summer, however an AFL debut could be delayed after sustaining a small fracture in his foot.
According to AFL.com.au, Johnson will miss three to four weeks with the setback, placing doubt on the midfielder featuring in his club's pre-season fixtures against Port Adelaide and West Coast, beginning next month.
Johnson joined Fremantle with the 21st overall selection of last year's National Draft, joining the Cockburn club as one of the most highly-rated midfielders among his class.
The 19-year-old joins several teammates currently attending the club's injury ward, with Nat Fyfe (shoulder), David Mundy (ankle), Matt Taberner (ankle), Joel Hamling (ankle) and Caleb Serong (finger) all having required attention throughout the pre-season.
During training this week, draftees Jye Amiss and Eric Benning joined Josh Treacy and James Aish in training away from the main group.
Amiss is understood to be following a personalised training program ahead of his maiden season in the AFL.
The Dockers will begin their 2022 AFL season against Adelaide on Sunday, March 20 at Adelaide Oval.