FREMANTLE utility Shane Kersten will this week walk from the Dockers after a split with coach Ross Lyon.

AFL.com.au understands Kersten and Lyon's relationship has been fractured for some months and dates back to a confrontation between the pair following the departure of Lachie Neale to Brisbane.

Paperwork is expected to be finalised in coming days for an immediate release.

Shane Kersten in action during the Western Derby in round 17, 2017. Picture: AFL Photos



Kersten has failed to play football at AFL or WAFL level this season after a pre-season foot injury and has rarely been sighted at the club’s Cockburn facilities throughout the year.

The 26-year-old crossed to Fremantle from Geelong on a three-year deal ahead of the 2017 season and managed 29 games for the Dockers.

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Kersten in the gym at Fremantle in February this year. Picture: AFL Photos



With the arrival of key forwards Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb and growth of defenders Joel Hamling, Alex Pearce and Luke Ryan, Kersten was a long shot to be re-contracted for the 2020 season.

The Dockers have already parted ways with injury-plagued midfielder Harley Bennell this season.