Fremantle will be without two of its premier midfielders for Friday night’s danger game against the Ross Lyon-coached St Kilda, with Caleb Serong joining Hayden Young on the injury list.

The three-time Doig medallist was a notable absentee from Wednesday’s training session and has been ruled out with a calf injury, with early reports suggesting he will be absent for two to three weeks.

That would be mean he will miss the big clash with Brisbane and possible grand final preview, at the Gabba on Saturday week.

Serong was replaced by Corey Wagner, who returns after missing a week with a groin injury.

Serong’s absence is a body blow to the Dockers. He is a durable midfield beast who has played at least 22 games in every season since his debut year in 2020.

Fremantle said it would assess and update Serong’s injury status next week.

“Caleb had some calf awareness following the Essendon game and scans have now revealed a strain,” Fremantle’s head of football Joe Brierty said.

“We will monitor Caleb’s functionality in the coming days and provide an update next week.”

The Dockers will need Young to pass through concussion protocols in time for the Lions’ clash.

Another experienced midfielder, Jaeger O’Meara, was not considered and will return from injury through WAFL team Peel Thunder.

O’Meara had surgery after suffering multiple facial fractures sustained in an accidental collision at a training session in April and has had a month on the sidelines. He has been training in a protective face guard

The Dockers have adopted the name Walyalup for Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The Saints (Euro-Yroke) will without forward Jack Higgins, who was ruled out with a knee issue. He has been replaced by winger Mason Wood.

Higgins has kicked 17 goals in eight games this season, with his absence a blow for the Saints’ attack.

The Saints will also be without competition leading midfielder Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and first-choice forwards Max King, Mitch Owens and Liam Ryan.