Hill, Ballantyne set for Freo AFL returns

Star Fremantle duo Stephen Hill and Hayden Ballantyne are on track to make their return this weekend from injury - but it remains to be seen whether they'll play at AFL level.

Ballantyne has been sidelined since tearing his hamstring during the pre-season, while Hill suffered a hamstring tear in round five.

Barring no further setbacks, the pair will be given the green light to play this weekend.

But Dockers coach Ross Lyon said they were no guarantee to return in Sunday's clash with Carlton at Domain Stadium.

Fremantle's affiliate team - Peel Thunder - play Perth on Saturday.

"They've got to get through the week. Currently, they're on target to be available to play football," Lyon said.

"Where they play - we'll make those decisions as they come to hand.

"Logic would dictate Stephen is more advanced on the whole year than Hayden is. But none of them are certainties to come back and play."

Ballantyne comes off contract at the end of the season, and the small forward can't afford another big injury setback.

Hill was in hot form over the opening five rounds, and his inclusion would give Fremantle's firepower a massive boost.

Lyon expects feisty small forward Brady Grey to shake off a shoulder injury in time to face Carlton.

"It would take a Sherman tank to stop him," Lyon said.

"It was a slight sublux. But people play with them all the time.

"They just strap them up. As long as your strength's okay, you tend to be fine. He's knocking on my door saying, 'I'm playing'."

The Dockers are equal on points with fourth-placed Port Adelaide after snaring five wins from their past six matches.

Fremantle needed David Mundy's after-the-siren goal last week to beat Richmond, and Lyon said the group were well aware their meek efforts for most of the last quarter wasn't good enough.