Fremantle recruit Oscar McDonald will undergo knee surgery on Wednesday following a further scan and surgical review late last week.
McDonald injured his knee in a spoiling contest in Fremantle's round 1 win over Brisbane.
Dockers EGM of Football Joe Brierty provided an update.
“In consultation with Oscar and following specialist advice it has been agreed that he will undergo surgery to repair structural damage to his knee sustained in the game against Brisbane,” said Brierty.
“Based on current findings, Oscar will require surgery to repair his PLC (Posterior Lateral Corner). The surgeon will also review Oscar's ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) during surgery to assess the extent of damage to this ligament and if further intervention is required.”
“Ultimately the focus is on Oscar's best long-term outcome for his knee and Oscar is aware that the decision during surgery will be made with this in mind.”
The return to play time frame and decision whether McDonald will return to football before the end of the season will be confirmed post-surgery.
In better news, ruckman Sean Darcy should only be two weeks away as he recovers from a knee injury he sustained during the off-season.
Defender Heath Chapman (hamstring) could make the trip to South Australia, pending he gets through the required fitness tests.
Karl Worner is likely to exit concussion protocols and will put his hand up for selection while wingman Nathan O'Driscoll (knee) looks ready to go.