Fremantle have confirmed ruckman Sean Darcy will undergo surgery on his left knee after sustaining an injury during the club's costly Round 21 loss to Essendon at the MCG.
The 26-year-old big man was sidelined for the remaining three matches, but was not sent for an arthroscope before the conclusion of the home & away season, presumably with the potential to return for finals where the club hoped to be.
Fremantle have not indicated whether Darcy's preseason will be delayed, only that they are looking to allow him the best possible runway into 2025.
“Sean consulted a surgical specialist yesterday and we have decided an arthroscope is the best course of action going forward for the long-term health of Sean's knee” said Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty.
“Having the procedure done now will enable Sean to have the best possible preparation and set him up for season 2025.
“At this stage, it is planned that Sean will be returning to running in six to eight weeks.”
Having confirmed that young star Hayden Young played through a broken leg in the season-defining clash against Port Adelaide, Fremantle have provided a more optimistic update than some may have expected.
While Young did fracture his fibula in the Round 24 loss, the club say the injury will not require surgery and shouldn't hinder his preseason training.
“Hayden sustained an undisplaced fracture in his fibula late in the game against Port Adelaide,” said Brierty.
“The injury will heal without any surgical intervention, but he will require a non-loading period off legs.
“Hayden will resume his off-season program over the break and it shouldn't cause any disruption to his pre-season.”