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AFL: Richmond ruckman Shaun Hampson says the bye has come at a perfect time for his captain Trent Cotchin to heal his body after having a stint in hospital.

Fremantle swingman Tanner Smith in the hands of the trainers after injuring his hamstring in the third term against Port Adelaide. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

FREMANTLE’S ever-growing injury list is up to 17 players, with Matt de Boer, Brady Grey, Matthew Uebergang and Tanner Smith the latest additions.

Smith (hamstring) is expected to miss 6-8 weeks after going down in the third term of the Dockers’ 17-point win over Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

It’s a cruel blow for the promising swingman, who played in consecutive AFL matches for the first time in his career.

de Boer (knee) is out for 4-6 weeks, while Grey (ankle) is listed as 6-8 weeks on Fremantle’s website.

Both were casualties from Peel Thunder’s WAFL loss to South Fremantle in torrential conditions at Mandurah’s Bendigo Bank Stadium on Sunday.

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Emerging forward Matthew Uebergang (hamstring) also hurt himself playing for the Thunder, with his return timeframe to be confirmed.

The chances of big man Aaron Sandilands (ribs) playing again this year are becoming increasingly unlikely.

Fremantle swingman Tanner Smith in the hands of the trainers after injuring his hamstring in the third term against Port Adelaide. Picture: Daniel WilkinsSource:News Corp Australia

Sandilands’ return is listed as four weeks, growing from the 2-4 week prediction last week.

The Dockers are still yet to announce a return date for defender Michael Johnson (knee/hamstring) and first-year player Harley Balic (wrist).

Irishman Sean Hurley (hip) faces a fitness test ahead of his likely return through the WAFL, while luckless defender Anthony Morabito (ankle) is one week away.

Fremantle’s next assignment is against Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.

Ed Langdon put his hand up for a senior recall with a five-goal haul in the WAFL, while Jack Hannath seems a likely replacement for former skipper Matthew Pavlich if the club opts to rest him.