Fremantle Dockers: Pre-Season Injury Update on Key Players

Fremantle Dockers have provided an update on several key players' injury statuses ahead of the upcoming pre-season games.

Sean Darcy's Calf Strain

Ruckman Sean Darcy sustained a mild to moderate calf strain during training last week. He completed 20 minutes of match practice before exiting the session.

The club expects Darcy to be available for the match simulation against West Coast on February 21.

While his participation in the February 13 intraclub match in Bunbury is uncertain, his return for the West Coast game is anticipated. His availability is crucial for establishing the team's ruck structure and allowing Luke Jackson to play more as a midfielder.

Alex Pearce's Careful Management

Captain Alex Pearce is being carefully managed due to stress-related setbacks experienced last year. He did not participate in last Friday's match simulation and was sidelined during Thursday's main training session.

The club's priority is to mitigate risk with Pearce, ensuring he has sufficient rest and appropriate loading to be ready for the start of the season.

Other Player Injury Updates

• Sam Sturt: The forward is a long-term concern, targeting a July return from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
• Cooper Simpson: The half-back is managing a minor hip issue.
• Aiden Riddle: The developing ruckman suffered an ankle injury in a recent match simulation, which will sideline him for three weeks.

Upcoming Pre-Season Schedule

The Dockers' pre-season schedule includes:

• A match simulation against West Coast on February 21.
• An AAMI Community Series game against Adelaide at Rushton Park in Mandurah on February 28.

Fremantle will commence their regular season against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on March 14.