VETERAN Fremantle defender Michael Johnson won't play again this season after suffering a minor Achilles problem.

Johnson suffered a serious knee and hamstring injury in round five against Carlton.

He needed surgery and underwent a lengthy rehab process.

Two weeks ago coach Ross Lyon was adamant Johnson would play again this year.

But Lyon confirmed on Friday he had suffered a minor Achilles problem recently and would not recover in time to play before the end of the season.

"He was right on track two weeks ago, and he was training," Lyon said.

"He was just a bit sore in his Achilles.

"There's nothing wrong with the tendon. It's just a bit of a sheath issue. It means he's been interrupted enough now that he won't get to the line this year.

"He was ahead of Aaron (Sandilands). So it put him back two weeks, by the time he gets moving, he'll just roll into summer. It's disappointing for Michael and us."

Johnson will turn 32 in October and is contracted for 2017. He was named in the All Australian side in 2013 when the Dockers made the Grand Final.

But he played just 18 games in 2014 before missing the finals due to a back injury that required surgery.

He played 15 games in 2015 after missing a large chunk of football in the middle of the year following a serious hamstring tear.

In better news for the Dockers their second pick in last year's draft, Harley Balic, is set to play his first game of the season in the WAFL next week after overcoming a wrist injury.

Balic won't play this week as Peel Thunder has a bye in the WAFL. Lyon said he was excited to see the young midfielder play.

"There hasn't been a lot of things to smile about this year," Lyon said.

"But to see him training last week ... he's a big athlete. He's put on six kilos since he's been here.

"He's got speed, endurance. We've got to work out with Cam Shepherd (Peel coach) where he plays - whether it's Peel Thunder seconds or seniors.

"I think he's got enough quality - he won't come to 100 minutes. But if he can play 60, 80 minutes, I think it would be a win for everyone."