Fremantle rookie Odin Jones has undergone spinal surgery after a "freak" awkward fall that left him with a fractured vertebra, with the club putting a line through his 2025 season.
Jones was recovering in hospital for a couple of weeks following the surgery and will be in the hands of specialists.
The 19-year-old suffered the severe injury after falling at a friend's house last month.
Fremantle EGM Joe Brierty said the club will support him in any way possible.
"This is an extremely unfortunate outcome for Odin," Brierty said.
"He's a popular member of our playing group, and we will continue to support him in his recovery every step of the way."
As a result of being placed on the long-term injury list, the Dockers now have a vacant spot on their rookie list that they can choose to top up through the pre-season supplemental selection period or hold off until the mid-season draft.
According toย AFL Media, Fremantle has asked Isaiah Dudley and Baynen Lowe from next Monday to audition for the vacant position.
Dudley was a member of Adelaide's NGA but missed out on the 2021 AFL Draft, spending time in the SANFL at Central District since.
Lowe also plied his trade in the SANFL, named at half-forward in the 2024 Team of the Year after a standout season for Norwood.
Dockers backline coach Jade Rawlings has a link to the Redlegs forward.
Fremantle had completed its list when signing former Port Adelaide forward Quinton Narkle as an SSP signing, but now the 21-year-olds will get an opportunity to live out their childhood dreams.
