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Fremantle make selection call on ruckman following recent calf concern

The Dockers are likely looking at multiple changes to their side for Round 11.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Fremantle will welcome the return of ruckman Sean Darcy for Friday's clash with Collingwood.

Darcy has battled a calf injury over the past fortnight, with the Dockers taking the precautionary path with his latest concern following a knee injury that plagued the start of his 2024 season.

The Doig Medal winner has played just three games this year due to multiple ailments, having been brought into the side in Round 6 against West Coast before being subbed out two weeks later with a fresh niggle.

Darcy was a chance to play last week against St Kilda but wasn't risked for the trip east, with further testing this week seeing the Fremantle big man given the green light to return.

Darcy's inclusion will be a welcomed boost for the Perth club, who are looking to make it four wins in five matches.

It's likely Fremantle will make at least two changes, with Darcy's inclusion to come as forward Michael Frederick misses the match against the Magpies due to concussion, with the pair holding two contrasting roles for coach Justin Longmuir.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 13: Nathan Fyfe and Sean Darcy of the Dockers talk during a Fremantle Dockers AFL training session at Victor George Kallis Oval on January 13, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)

Darcy will likely slot into the starting ruck role, moving versatile tall Luke Jackson to attack, with recruit Paddy Voss a potential omission given the shift in Longmuir's front third.

Frederick's replacement could be one of several fringe Dockers, with Sam Sturt potentially in line for his second game of the season following a strong run of form in the WAFL.

Sturt booted four goals from 19 disposals in his most recent appearance for Peel Thunder, with draftee Cooper Simpson another name likely to contend for a role in Longmuir's side.

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The Dockers will name their squad for Friday's bout with Collingwood at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday, while final teams will be locked in an hour out from the 8:10pm bounce.

Published by
Mitch Keating