UPDATE
Heath Chapman is likely to miss Round 1 after a hamstring strain during training on Saturday.
The Dockers competed in a high intensity intraclub but Chapman emerged as an unfortunate casualty, going off before half-time.
Fremantle has now revealed the diagnosis is a medium-grade hamstring strain.
“It is unlikely at this stage that Heath will be available for round 1,” footy boss Joe Brierty said in a club statement.
“Our performance health team will now work with Heath to set his return to play plan.
“The exact timeline will be based on Heath's medical history and symptoms as he progresses through reconditioning.”
Chapman has battled significant hamstring injuries in the past, with the 22-year-old limited to 26 AFL games since being picked up in 2020.
Justin Longmuir’s men play Brisbane in Round 1, a clash that is 34 days away.
SATURDAY
Heath Champman’s unlucky run with injury looks set to continue after being sent for scans on a hamstring setback.
Chapman sustained the fresh injury on Saturday morning during a high-intensity intraclub clash at the Dockers' training ground.
While the severity is immediately unclear, it’s another unfortunate blow for the talented and untapped defender.
A first round pick back in 2020, Chapman’s never played more than 15 games in a season. Last year he made just three AFL appearances, with the 22-year-old’s career so far cruelled by hamstring and shoulder injuries.
“It’s disappointing for Chappy who’s had such a great pre-season after a frustrating year with injury,” footy boss Joe Brierty said in a club statement.
“We will now wait for further information and our focus will be on giving Heath all of the support he needs and his teammates will get around him.”