Fremantle remain optimistic injured AFL star Michael Barlow will be fit to play next season, saying surgery on his broken leg was a success and the damage wasn't as bad as initially thought.

Barlow sent shudders through the AFL world when his left leg twisted awkwardly and snapped during a collision with teammate Rhys Palmer in Saturday's 57-point win over Port Adelaide.

The 22-year-old, whose fibula and tibia bones snapped, underwent surgery on Sunday to have a plate inserted in his leg.

"We're optimistic from the medical feedback that he'll be back playing football for us next year," Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said at St John of God Hospital on Monday.

"From a medical feedback, the operation went really well. It's a clean break.

"The break is higher up in the leg, which is a positive thing.

"He's in good spirits.

"He's had some wonderful messages and support from people all through Australia, a lot of players from other clubs as well.

"He's just so appreciative of the people who've been in touch with him.

"We're waiting to see just exactly when he'll get out (of hospital) but we think it will be in the next few days."

While Fremantle players have flocked to offer Barlow their support, Bond revealed the player group had also rallied around Palmer over the unlucky incident.

"Look you ask anybody ... who's been involved in a collision like that, obviously (Palmer) was more concerned for Mick than anybody," Bond said.

"We'll make sure that we get Rhys through this.

"I know Rhys has spent a bit of time with Mick already ... and Harvs spoke to him straight after the game, so that's not an issue.

"It's important for Rhys to get on with it and make sure he's going to be an effective player for the rest of the year."

Bond said Fremantle would consider seeking opinion from the likes of Nathan Brown and Michael Voss, who also suffered serious leg breaks during their playing careers.

Along with Barlow, the Dockers will also be without defender Antoni Grover (hamstring) for Saturday night's clash with Richmond at Etihad Stadium, while youngster Nat Fyfe is in doubt after being knocked out against the Power.

Chris Tarrant's expected return from an Achilles tendon injury is a major boost for the injury-hit defence, which is still without Luke McPharlin (knee) and Greg Broughton (hamstring).

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