A Fremantle Docker is expected to miss significant time due to a serious hip injury.

Josh Corbett, who was recruited from the Gold Coast Suns at the end of the 2022 season, is battling a bothersome hip ailment and is "highly unlikely" to play at all next year.

The noted goalkicker, who won Fremantle's Best Clubman award this year, managed just five AFL outings during his maiden campaign in Dockers colours.

According toย Nine reporter Bonnie Raynor, the "significant" nature of the 27-year-old's injury is expected to sideline the forward for most, if not all of next season.

"A huge blow for the Fremantle Dockers, with tall forward Josh Corbett set to be moved to the long-term injury list," Raynor reported on Thursday evening.

"Nine News can reveal the former Sun will undergo significant hip surgery and is highly unlikely to feature at any level in 2024."

Raynor added the Dockers are anticipated to attain veteran utility Oscar McDonald when delisted free agency commences next Wednesday.

"Fremantle is closing in on signing former Demon and Blue Oscar McDonald as [a] replacement when the delisted free agency period opens on Wednesday," Raynor declared.

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As Corbett is likely to be shifted to Fremantle's inactive list, McDonald's potential addition shapes as the Dockers' corresponding list move, with the long-time Demon also able to play forward of the ball in addition to his defending capabilities.

Delisted free agency commences next Wednesday, November 1 at 9:00 AM (AEDT).