Fremantle draftee Harley Balic set for extended period on the sidelines

Fremantle draftee Harley Balic is facing an extended period on the sidelines, after undergoing a third operation on his troublesome left wrist, according to FoxSports.com.au.

Balic, who was touted as a first round pick in last year's draft before missing the draft combine, first injured his wrist when playing basketball at high school years ago, fracturing his scaphoid bone.

2015 DRAFT PROFILES: HARLEY BALIC

The 19-year-old went under the knife last August, but his wrist failed to heal sufficiently, and he was forced to have a further bout of surgery on Wednesday.

Balic, who represented Victoria in junior basketball and was an All-Australian at Under-18 level, was selected with pick No.38 by the Dockers in last year's draft.

The club is yet to set a time frame for his return.