Fremantle veteran Des Headland's horror AFL injury run has continued with the 29-year-old set to undergo more surgery on his dodgy knee.

Headland, who has played just 19 games since the start of 2008, is expected to be out of action until round 15, casting doubt on his playing future.

Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne have cemented their places as small forwards in the Fremantle set-up and Headland, who is out of contract at the end of the season and has suffered knee problems in the past, may struggle to earn a new contract.

Headland will be placed on the long-term injury list, meaning rookies Matt de Boer and Alex Silvagni can stay on the senior list for now.

The Dockers will monitor the fitness of Mayne, Ballantyne, Luke McPharlin, Stephen Hill and Silvagni this week after all suffered leg injuries in the club's 38-point western derby win on Sunday.

Midfielder Rhys Palmer will also be assessed after the 21-year-old was cleaned up by West Coast's Andrew Embley.

Fremantle sit a game inside the top four with a 5-1 record but face a stern test on Saturday against Brisbane at the Gabba.

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