Fremantle will be without defender turned midfielder Philipa Seth for an extended period as she remains in Perth to undergo surgery on her right ankle.

Seth will be the sole member of Fremantle’s women’s side to remain in Perth, with the rest of the squad set to travel to Victoria on Saturday morning for four games over three weeks on the road. 

The hard-running 27-year-old sustained a syndesmosis injury in the final quarter of Fremantle’s scratch match against West Coast on December 21.

Following surgery, Seth will begin rehabilitation on her ankle at the Club under the supervision of Fremantle medical staff.

Senior coach Trent Cooper said it was difficult to have to leave Seth behind as Freo embark on its extended interstate stint.

“It was a tough decision, but medically it was the best thing to do for Phil,” Cooper said.

“We gave her injury a chance to heal and manage conservatively, which would’ve given her a chance to come back in that 6-8 week timeframe.

“However, after looking at further scans it was decided that the ankle would require surgery, so the decision was made to do that as soon as possible. 

“It’s difficult to have to leave her behind in Perth, but both the Club and Phil are very comfortable that surgery is the right course of action.”