Fringe Fremantle defender Brandon Walker has avoided suffering a major injury blow after hurting his shoulder playing for Peel Thunder at the weekend.

Walker watched the back-end of the Thunder’s 42-point win over Swan Districts in Bassendean on Saturday from the sidelines, having been on the receiving end of some bone-crunching hits throughout the afternoon.

In the club’s injury update released on Tuesday, the speedy backman was listed as a test. Fremantle’s director of high performance Adam Beard said he had completed some modified training after a “knock” to his AC joint.

Walker started the 2026 season in Fremantle’s senior side, but was a late withdrawal for their win over Melbourne in round two due to soreness and has not been able to earn his way back in since.

The 23-year-old was also forced to endure several weeks on the sidelines earlier this year after suffering a pair of concussions in the WAFL within a two-week span.

Meanwhile, veterans Corey Wagner and Jaeger O’Meara are both closing in on returns to the field after suffering untimely injuries in the run-in to the finals.

O’Meara hurt his ankle in the Dockers’ win over Port Adelaide in round 19 and has missed their two games since, while Wagner came out of their side for Friday night’s win over Western Bulldogs due to a hip issue.

Wagner has been listed as a test, while O’Meara’s return has been estimated to be one-to-two weeks away.

“Corey had some hip bursitis during last week, so we managed him,” Beard said.

“He completed some training today and he’ll be a test to play.

“JOM is doing really well. It was good to see him out on track.

“He ran on the field today and he’s progressing really well.”

Untried key forward Charlie Nicholls also remains one-to-two weeks away from a return due to a finger problem.

Melbourne may also receive some reinforcements for the crucial clash against the Dockers at the MCG on Saturday, with key defender Daniel Turner (ribs) and small forwards Latrelle Pickett (concussion) and Kade Chandler (hand) all listed as tests.

They will have at least one forced change to their side, with backman Blake Howes suffering a broken arm in their win over Gold Coast on Sunday.

Fremantle injury list

Brandon Walker (shoulder): Test

Corey Wagner (hip): Test

Jaeger O’Meara (ankle): 1-2 weeks

Charlie Nicholls (finger): 1-2 weeks