Michael Walters has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium with a jarred knee.

Walters sustained the injury late in the game against Port Adelaide last Saturday night.

Fremantle principal physiotherapist Dr Jeffrey Boyle said the club wouldn’t be taking any risks with the classy forward.

“He’s pulled up a little bit sore and we just think it’s worthwhile giving him a week to let it settle down and take no risks going into the first final,” Boyle said.

Boyle said Luke McPharlin completed a “terrific” running session on Tuesday morning, but the star defender wouldn’t resume until the first final.

“He completed all that was was required of him, he’s making great progress,” Boyle said.

“He’s still going to be another week, he’ll come into the first final, but we’re doing that so he is absolutely ready to go for that week.”

Boyle also put a line through Nick Suban playing against the Saints despite scans clearing him of any serious damage.

The tough midfielder was subbed out of the game against the Power at quarter time after complaining of hamstring tightness.

“The tightness in the hamstring was minor, but again, we’re not going to take any risks with Nick going into the finals,” he said.

“He’ll rest this weekend and we fully expect him to play the following week.”

Boyle said Garrick Ibbotson, who has missed the past four games with an Achilles injury, was providing the fitness staff with a challenge.

“It’s making steady progress,” he said.

“He trained on Tuesday, he’ll train again on Thursday, he’s got to make another little step up for him to play this weekend.”

Boyle said Clancee Pearce was “rock solid” at training on Tuesday and was a good chance to resume this weekend.

“We’re expecting him to test on Thursday, but really, the expectation is that he’ll play,” he said.

Star ruckman Aaron Sandilands has been cleared to resume, but he’ll have to wear a helmet.

“The cheekbone is correcting itself beautifully… every expectation is that he’ll play,” Boyle said.

The 19-year Freo physio also confirmed Hayden Ballantyne was fine after giving the fitness staff a scare in the Port game.

“He had just jarred his ribs, and Hayden is his usual chirpy self around the building today, so no problems,” he said.


INJURY LIST:

PlayerInjuryDuration
Garrick IbbotsonAchillestest
Josh SimpsonShouldertest
Aaron SandilandsCheek bonetest
Clancee PearceCalftest
Nick SubanHamstring1 week
Michael WaltersKnee1 week
Luke McPharlinCalf1 week
Max DuffyHamstring3 weeks
Sam MenegolaKneeseason
Haiden SchloitheAnkleseason
Anthony MorabitoKneeseason
Tanner SmithShoulderseason
Jonathon GriffinKneeseason
Kepler BradleyKneeseason
Viv MichieKneeseason