Could one of the most decorated Dockers of all time be squeezed out of this year’s best 22?

Hayden Ballantyne has booted more Fremantle goals than anyone not named Matthew Pavlich, was an All-Australian in 2014, and fell just one major short of leading the Dockers’ goalkicking tally last season.

But as he prepares to turn 32 this year, Ballantyne faces a genuine fight to earn a berth in Fremantle’s full-strength side, according to The West Australian’s chief football writer Mark Duffield and The Sunday Times sport editor Glen Quartermain.

Speaking on the Duff and Quarters podcast, Duffield explained why Ballantyne may fall out of favour this season.

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“I think he’s in a bit of trouble now, Hayden Ballantyne,” Duffield said.

“He’s just lost that yard (of pace) and he’s not quite there.

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“He crumbed a couple yesterday, kicked a goal. He’s gotten front and square and done his job at times.

“But the worry for me with Hayden is that he’s not quite there with his pressure any more.”

However, Ballantyne’s chances of an early-season start increased after fellow small forward Sam Switkowski suffered a hamstring injury in the first term of yesterday’s pre-season hit-out against Collingwood.

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