FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has flagged prospects of making a bid to lure Sydney big man Jesse White next season.

The Dockers remain firmly in the hunt for a power forward to bolster scoring potency and with needs for succession planning to the ultimate retirement of superstar Matthew Pavlich within the next few seasons.



Fremantle has tried and failed in bold bids to attract a power forward in the past two years with vigorous endeavours to win Mitch Clark when he left Brisbane, as well as Collingwood star Travis Cloke, Harry Taylor from Geelong and Jack Riewoldt - before they all agreed to terms to stay at their current clubs.



White, 25, was a candidate to be traded last October but stayed with the reigning premiers after no compatible deal could be negotiated for a move.



He has had a breakout series of recent appearances with Sydney as a power forward in the absence of injured veteran Adam Goodes.



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White has played seven games this season including six in the past seven weeks after only three appearances early last year when his career looked destined for a switch of clubs.



White turned in probably the finest game of his 63-match career with four goals and 14 disposals in Sydney’s comprehensive 47-point win over Richmond at the SCG.



He was also impressive and an imposing powerhouse around the ball in a 14-possession and one-goal outing against West Coast in Perth a week earlier.



White is linked with a possible move from Sydney and a surplus of big forwards and ruckmen in the Swans camp with the continued evolution of Mike Pyke in support to Shane Mumford, as well as Sam Reid and boom recruit Kurt Tippett and Goodes all around their goalmouth.



Lyon confirmed White is an attractive recruiting prospect to Fremantle’s future.



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“He’s certainly on a list of key forwards and I watched him on the weekend,” Lyon said on Fairfax radio 6PR.



“He played as well as I’ve seen Jesse play.



“He looks to have matured and been put through a football school and a good academy where we know he is a very competent player.



“He will be one on the radar.



“But I think everyone will be looking at him.”



Lyon declared opportunist small forward Hayden Ballantyne a certain starter for Saturday night’s crucial clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium.



“Balla’s a certainty, and then from there we’re pretty healthy really,” Lyon said.



Lyon predicted key defender Luke McPharlin is still at least three weeks from returning as the veteran recovers from a calf strain he suffered against St Kilda in Round 15.

