The likelihood of Fremantle's Des Headland playing in the AFL again this season appears to have decreased further, with the Dockers midfielder failing to train as planned.

Coach Mark Harvey revealed earlier this week the bone bruising around a knee which had kept Headland out of the side since round four was more serious than first thought.

A planned training session on Thursday was due to be a "last hurrah" to see if Headland could pull up without any soreness, but after discussions between the player and medical staff following more scans, the club decided against the run.

Headland will instead have another scan on Friday and then discuss his options with surgeons on Monday, a club spokesman said.

Already without Paul Hasleby for the season after a knee injury suffered in the first pre-season game, Harvey's attempts to pick a stable side have been constantly thwarted with injuries to key players.

Along with Headland, Antoni Grover and Roger Hayden were key omissions in the dreadful loss to Melbourne last weekend, while Luke McPharlin is almost certain to miss this weekend's Dream Team clash with a corked buttock.

Youngster Garrick Ibbotson, one of the few shining lights in the Dockers' dismal 1-6 start, said his personal elevation had been overshadowed by a run of defeats and injuries.

"With Hase missing and possibly Des as well we have had a lot of young guys coming through, and there are other guys with around 50 games who are going to have to become senior players now and get the side through," Ibbotson said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP