Fremantle’s dirty day in Canberra was made worse when Hayden Young was once again struck down with a soft tissue injury.

With the Dockers trailing by 22 points at the final change, their efforts to launch a late fightback copped a hammer blow with Young ruled out with a groin injury.

Having battled a hamstring strain earlier this season, Young was playing his fourth game in a row, something he has not achieved since 2024, having been dogged by repeated injuries.

Young was one of the best performers in an otherwise poor start for Fremantle, but his influence faded as the afternoon went on and he was spotted resting forward at times to little effect.

His day was eventually brought to an end after three-quarter time, exiting the game with just one clearance from 10 touches.

Justin Longmuir admits Young may struggle to get up for their blockbuster Sydney clash next Thursday on the back of a short turnaround.

“We think it’s just a bit of tight groin, but we’re hoping he’s right,” he said post-game.

“Hopefully he doesn’t miss that many games, but we’re off a five-day break so there’s a chance he’ll miss one.

“It’s a challenge, and this is what happens when you miss a lot of footy, I guess, is that it’s not necessarily the first or second game back; it can come after three or four, but that’s the challenge when you miss a lot of footy.”

Fremantle were aiming for a record-extending 15th straight win but trailed for much of the day thanks to a career best seven goal performance from Jake Stringer.

Earlier in the match, GWS star Lachie Whitfield was forced out of the clash with concussion after copping a stray elbow from Sean Darcy in a marking contest in the second quarter.

The Giants star had been chopping up the Dockers midfield, who struggled to match the pressure of the Giants around the ball.

Despite only playing the first half, Whitfield still finished with 20 touches, a mark that only four Dockers managed to pass in the entire game.