Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow will miss the rest of the season after injuring the AC joint in his left shoulder in Friday night’s clash with Geelong at Domain Stadium.



He left the ground early in the third quarter after suffering the injury in a brutal ground ball contest and took no further part in the game.

Barlow had scans on Saturday and a subsequent specialist’s report determined that he required surgery.



He will have surgery this week and then undertake a rehabilitation program.



Meanwhile, Hayden Ballantyne will also undergo surgery today after fracturing his cheek-bone with 10 minutes remaining in the second term of the same game.



Close win for Cats



The small forward laid a tackle and although he won a free kick for holding the ball, he came off worse-for-wear but still played out the game.



Ballantyne had scans on Saturday, with a specialist’s report determining that he would require surgery.



General manager of football operations Chris Bond said Ballantyne was expected to play again in 2016.



“We know how determined Hayden will be to get back to playing as soon as possible, and he has a history of doing that, but at this stage we will see how his recovery phase goes and be guided by medical advice to help establish his return date,” Bond said.



“Michael has proven to be incredibly resilient throughout his career when returning from injury, but due to the nature of the recovery and rehabilitation program he will start after surgery, Michael will not be available to play again this season.”