Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has all but ruled out star midfielder Hayden Young for their crucial clash against reigning premiers Brisbane on Friday night.

It comes as Longmuir backed retiring champion Nat Fyfe to be able to play a full game if needed before his illustrious career comes to an end.

Young has been listed as a test to take on the Lions at Optus Stadium after he injured his groin in the Dockers’ win over Carlton earlier this month.

The Glendinning-Allan medallist had also battled a persistent hamstring injury throughout the year which required surgery.

Speaking before Young was in and out of drills at main training on Wednesday morning, Longmuir said the 24-year-old was “unlikely” to take on the Lions as they look to seal a spot in finals for the first time since 2022.

“That’s a tricky one. He’s got to get through training first, which in my mind is pretty unlikely for this week with the way it sits right now,” he said.

“We want to get some work into him, we want to make sure when he’s back he’s resilient.

“We’ll work through that but it’s probably unlikely this week.”

Fremantle fans are also preparing to farewell dual Brownlow medallist and former skipper Fyfe in what could be his final home game after he announced he would retire at the end of the season on Monday.

The 33-year-old has battled soft-tissue injuries in 2025 and has either been the starting sub or subbed out of a game in all of his five matches this season.

Longmuir said while Fyfe wasn’t yet ready to play full minutes, he backed the veteran to run out a game if required.

“I think it (Fyfe’s body) is able to hold up for a full game,” he said.

“Maybe not this week but going forward. We got some good minutes into him on the weekend, played a little bit more than he probably has in the past.

“We’ll continue to look to build him and if needed he’s there to play a full game. But having said that, I think he’s one of the best subs in the comp so he helps us in many ways.”

Should Young return before finals, it would mean the Dockers would play two midfielders who have struggled with soft-tissue injuries this season.

Longmuir said playing both “comes with risk” but all selection did as September action nears.

“They’re the thing you have to balance up this time of the year. Those two players, if they get through they really help us. If they get injured, that’s a risk you have to balance this time of the year,” he said.

“Hopefully Fyfey gets through another game this week, if Youngy comes back next week after only missing a couple of weeks and has a good week, they’re good decisions to be had and discussions to be had at match committee.

“We’re at the pointy end of the season and no selection’s without risk this time of the year.”