GARRICK Ibbotson has been ruled out of Fremantle's premiership tilt after undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon.
The 25-year-old defender was a late withdrawal from the Dockers' round 19 clash with Carlton but despite ongoing attempts to return to the field the soreness never abated.
It is a blow for Ibbotson given how well he has played this season. After starting the year in the WAFL the defender returned in round five and played 13 matches.
At one stage Ibbotson was the leading intercept marker in the AFL and an integral part of Fremantle's defensive structure.
Fremantle made the decision to send him in for surgery on Thursday so he will be fit for the 2014 pre-season.
Football operations manager Chris Bond said in a club statement that it was the best course of action for Ibbotson.
"The procedure went well and Garrick will be available for day one of pre-season training," Bond said.
