Prized Fremantle recruit Harley Bennell is facing a trip to Munich to get to the bottom of his persistent calf injuries.
The 24-year-old suffered a minor strain to his left calf last Friday, the opposite to which he has had problems with previously.
Bennell is yet to play a senior game for the Dockers, after relocating to the Port club from Gold Coast at the end of 2015.
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The club is confident that after treatment Bennell will be available for Round 1.
Bennell will travel to Munich to see Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfarht, who previously treated Collingwood’s Ben Reid and Geelong’s Max Rooke.
“Harley will travel to Germany next month to consult Dr Muller-Wohlfarht and we are positive about him being available for selection in round one of the 2017 season,” Fremantle football chief Chris Bond said.
Bond also confirmed club champion Lachie Neale had an operation on his right knee.
“It was a minor procedure and we expect Lachie to resume full training in early January and be available for selection in round one,” Bond said.