Ballentyne In The Mix

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey has admitted Dockers $86k rookie Hayden Ballentyne is ready to play AFL footy, but didn't reveal if it would be this week or next round.

The young forward, who almost 13,000 DT coaches already own and many more are sizing up, was a late withdrawal for Freo's last match against Port and faces a fitness test for this weekend's Geelong game.

Ballentyne, Freo's number 21 selection at the 2008 AFL Draft, has a back problem but is definitely in the mix for a game.

"We think he's up for playing AFL, but we'll be guided by our fitness and strength guys," Harvey said.

"He's had a spasm and it's taken a bit longer [than expected to recover]. It's a fine line all of this. You don't want to be breaking him down at this stage."

Harvey did reveal key defensive duo Antoni Grover ($239k) and Luke McPharlin ($252k) would return this weekend against the Cats after injuries, while Des Headland (a $263k forward) would face a fitness test after a quad problem.

Young tall forward Adam Campbell ($226k), who was concussed early against Port last round, has recovered from concussion also and will be available for the Geelong game.

The Dockers coach also acknowledged $282k defender Michael Johnson (ankle) and $251k forward Chris Mayne (stress fractures) were at least a fortnight away.