Fremantle forward Michael Walters will not have to undergo surgery after injuring the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Saturday night’s clash with Hawthorn at Domain Stadium.

Walters, Fremantle’s leading goal scorer in 2017, had scans on Sunday with a subsequent specialist’s report on Monday confirming a minor tear to the PCL.

“The good news is that it was only a minor tear to the PCL and Michael will not require surgery,” general manager of football operations Chris Bond said.

“Our medical advice is that Michael will have a rehabilitation phase of six to eight weeks, and on that basis we are confident that he will be fit and available for day one of the 2018 pre-season program.”

Walters said that despite missing the remaining five games of this season, he was looking forward to returning “fitter and stronger” for the first day of pre-season training.

“Nothing’s going to stop me from being motivated now, albeit I’m going to be out for the next five games,” Walters said.

“But as a leader I still want to be there for the younger boys and the other leaders. There’s no doubt that in the meetings I’m going to be the same old me and vocal. Even around the corridors, I’ll still be having those discussions with the younger boys and younger forwards.

“It will allow me to get fit over the off-season and make sure I’m back for day one of the pre-season.

“Hopefully, I'll come back fitter and stronger than ever.”