The influential defender was a late omission for last weekend's loss to Bacchus Marsh with an upper arm complaint.

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Lockyer, the runner up in last year's Henderson Medal count, injured his arm during the Burra's round six win against Darley, but has played the rest of his side's games, albeit in a limited capacity.

Sebastopol coach Michael Searl expected his star to miss the next two games.

"We're hopeful he'll be back after the bye (in round 12)," he told The Courier.

"He was sore for a few weeks, and he was playing, but he wasn't at full capacity. We thought we were better off just taking our medicine and allowing him the time he needs to recover.

"We've just got to abide by what the medical recommendations are. We won't be silly about it, that's for sure."

Lockyer has proved a key figure for the Burra, with his vision and run off the backline central to their gameplan.

However, the injury forced Lockyer into often playing as a make-shift forward.

"We felt that when he was playing that role and playing at around 30 per cent, his arm wasn't improving," Searl said.

"He was playing an important role for us and was able to take a good defender. But, we want him firing at the right time of the year.

"It might be a loss now, but we'll just have to be guided by the medical experts about what the next steps are."

Lockyer joins the Burra's leading goalkicker Michael Powell (hamstring), experienced mid Ryan Noether and Luke Kiel in the injury ward.

Ruck James Richards (shoulder), Chase Dummett (calf) and Jai Harvey were also in a race to be fit for this weekend's game against Ballarat.

"Our midfield brigade is a bit thin at the moment, but it just opens up another opportunity for one of our younger guys or one of the boys that's a bit further down the line to get a chance and try and make the spot his," Searl said.

The Burra did get some good news midweek with star forward Michael Lockyer found not guilty of striking at the tribunal.

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