Fremantle ruckman Robert Warnock will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery on Friday.

Although Warnock showed no signs of the injury this season, the club released a statement saying the 21-year-old would undergo the surgery to allow him the "best possible chance to recover and prepare for the 2009 pre-season".

Warnock, one of the hottest young ruck prospects in the competition, comes out of contract at season's end and has attracted strong interest from several Melbourne clubs, including the Demons where his brother Matthew plays.

Fremantle are desperate to retain Warnock and have already commenced negotiations to extend his stay at the club.

Warnock, who stands at an imposing 206cm, has endured an indifferent 2008.

He played just two games in the first 10 rounds of the season but has played every game since round 11, averaging 11 possessions and eight hit-outs per match as an understudy to Aaron Sandilands.

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