FREMANTLE recruits Joel Hamling and Shane Kersten have been struck down with food poisoning after eating a dodgy pizza in a bizarre pre-season mishap.

The club confirmed this afternoon the close friends had fallen ill after having the pizza at a local food outlet last week.

Both Hamling and Kersten, who were traded in by the Dockers at the end of last season, have missed recent training sessions at Fremantle Oval while being sidelined.

“As part of his treatment protocol, Hamling was admitted to hospital to assist with his recovery whilst Kersten did not require hospital treatment,” a club statement said.

“Both players missed training sessions last week as a result of their illness.

“Kersten is back at the club on light training duties while Hamling is being monitored by medical and fitness staff in preparation for a return to full training.”

Hamling joined Fremantle in last year’s trade period fresh from playing a key role in the Western Bulldogs’ stunning premiership win and looms as a pivotal figure for the club at full-back this season.

Camera Icon Hamling and Kersten (middle) with their Dockers jumpers. Credit: PerthNow

The 23-year-old had otherwise enjoyed a faultless pre-season until being admitted to hospital following the unusual health setback.

Hayden Ballantyne is meanwhile due to return to training tomorrow after being granted club-approved leave to travel to Japan for business purposes.

The 2014 All-Australian flew out of Perth last Wednesday in line with a scheduled four-day break for the Dockers’ playing group.

Fremantle confirmed Ballantyne’s trip was organised as part of the JENESYS program – an exchange initiative designed to promote mutual understanding and friendly relations with Japanese people.