For Round 11, the Dockers are probably considering a number of changes to their lineup. Sean Darcy, a ruckman, will be welcomed back by Fremantle ahead of their match against Collingwood on Friday. After a knee injury derailed Darcy’s 2024 season, the Dockers are proceeding cautiously with his most recent issue, a calf injury that he has been battling for the past two weeks. owing to various injuries, the Doig Medal winner has only featured in three games this year. He was added to the team in Round 6 against West Coast but was replaced two weeks later owing to a new niggle.
Darcy was given the all-clear to return this week after more testing; he was given the opportunity to play against St Kilda last week but wasn’t risked for the journey east. The Perth team will benefit greatly from Darcy’s presence as they aim to win four out of their last five games. Fremantle is probably going to make at least two changes. Darcy’s participation will likely come since forward Michael Frederick is expected to miss the game against the Magpies due to a concussion. Coach Justin Longmuir will likely assign the two players to different roles.
With Luke Jackson shifting to attack, Darcy is expected to start in the ruck position. Paddy Voss, a recruit, may be left off of the team due to the change in Longmuir’s front three. Sam Sturt, who has been playing well in the WAFL, may be in line for his second game of the season and may replace Frederick, along with a few other fringe Dockers. In his most recent game for Peel Thunder, Sturt scored four goals from 19 possessions. Cooper Simpson, a draft pick, is another player that Longmuir’s team is probably going to consider for a spot.
On Thursday at 6:20 p.m. (AEST), the Dockers will announce their team for their match against Collingwood on Friday. The final teams will be announced an hour after the 8:10 p.m. bounce.