Fremantle are hopeful Sean Darcy may solely be sidelined for one sport because the star ruck eyes a sooner-than-expected return from a hamstring damage.
The 24-year-old was subbed out of the Dockers’ conflict with Melbourne in spherical 11 and can miss the Dockers’ conflict with Richmond at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
After returning to the membership early forward of the bye, Darcy is now pushing to return as quickly as spherical 14 towards Greater Western Sydney.
“Fingers crossed he’s only going to miss this week and he’ll be back for GWS next week,” Freo coach Justin Longmuir informed 7News.
“He trained really strongly (on Monday), he’s running really well and he’s done a lot of work on that hammy since he injured it.
“We’re hoping next week, he’ll be back.”
If Darcy doesn’t rise up for the Giants conflict, he’s anticipated to face Essendon at Optus Stadium in spherical 15.
Star recruit Luke Jackson rucked solo following Darcy’s damage however Longmuir stated the membership would contemplate its choices forward of the Tigers conflict.
“I think (Jackson) showed he was capable of the No.1 ruck against Melbourne after Sean went off,” Longmuir stated.
“We just need to make sure we pick a second ruck and balance up our forward line accordingly.
“It looks like the weather might set in on Saturday, so whether we go tall or small, we’ll make a decision later in the week.”
Mature-age rookie Liam Reidy and ahead Sebit Kuek shared the ruck duties for Peel towards Subiaco on Sunday.
Meanwhile, ahead Josh Treacy can be an choice after impressing Longmuir whereas pinch-hitting towards the Demons.
“I thought he handled himself really well in the ruck when he had limited opportunity against Melbourne,” he stated.
“We’ve done a fair bit of work with JT at Peel as a second ruck, so we’re ready for it if his number comes up.”
The Dockers may even be with out Jaeger O’Meara after the membership didn’t overturn a one-match ban for a harmful deal with.
Out-of-favour midfielder Will Brodie put his hand as much as change him with 30 touches within the WAFL, whereas Neil Erasmus and Liam Henry continued their optimistic kind.
“We’ve had some really good form at Peel and a lot of guys banging the door down, so with Sean and Jaeger being out of the team this week, it opens up a few opportunities,” Longmuir stated.
Fresh off signing a two-year deal, veteran ahead Michael Walters (calf) will probably be a check for Richmond.
“He’s got a pretty significant hurdle to get over (on Wednesday) but like with Sean, he’s done a power of work,” Longmuir stated. “He’s rehabbed really strongly and he’ll throw his name in the mix but he needs to get through training.”
Defender Heath Chapman (hamstring) stays 3-4 weeks away whereas younger ruck Max Knobel (leg) is a check.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
