FREMANTLE skipper Matthew Pavlich may have played his last game of the season after coach Mark Harvey revealed a "hotspot" in the classy forward's foot would make it difficult for him to run out against Collingwood next week.

Pavlich, 26, was a late withdrawal from the side narrowly defeated by Richmond at the MCG on Saturday due to the injury which is associated with a knee complaint he has carried throughout the year.

"That would be doubtful [Pavlich playing next week] so it has gotten to that point," Harvey replied after the match.

"I think it's as a result of his knee problem that he's compensating for it. Matthew wanted to play today but he had to be overruled by the doctor … probably when you were eating your corn flakes this morning.

"I spoke to you guys yesterday and thought he was going to play, but he's got some inflammation in a joint in his foot. It's not the knee, but it might be compensation for the knee that has caused it, so he's got a hot spot in his foot at the moment."

Pavlich, who has played 19 games this season for a return of 67 goals, was replaced by Ryan Murphy who kicked two majors in the seven-point defeat.