Fremantle captain Alex Pearce says he will not let some niggles cease him from fronting up in opposition to Carlton’s star-studded assault in Sunday’s AFL conflict at Optus Stadium.
Pearce and Brennan Cox shall be given the daunting job of curbing Blues spearheads Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay in a recreation the Twelfth-placed Dockers (7-8) should win to remain inside placing distance of the highest eight.
Curnow has booted 45 targets this season, whereas McKay additionally boasts match-winning potential regardless of returning a wayward 23.21.
Pearce has been a robust contributor in defence this yr however has additionally appeared to battle in some video games.
Two weeks in the past in opposition to Essendon, the 28-year-old was subbed off early within the closing quarter to relaxation his leg regardless of the match nonetheless being up for grabs.
Pearce’s coaching hundreds have been modified for a lot of the season, however he declared himself match to tackle Carlton.
“The body’s alright. It’s the time of the season where lots of guys have little niggles,” Pearce instructed reporters on Friday.
“I’ve been dealing with some for a little while now. I got subbed out (two weeks ago against Essendon).
“It was a pleasant probability to have a little bit of a relaxation.
“My training has been monitored for a little while now. There’s no issue.”
Curnow booted 9 targets in his most up-to-date go to to Perth – a 108-point mauling of West Coast in spherical seven.
Blues coach Michael Voss is not anticipating a repeat, as a lot as he would adore it.
“It would be very exciting if he did,” Voss mentioned.
“But the reality is if you look at some of the behaviour of Harry and Charlie in the last few games and how selfless they’ve been, it’s been particularly impressive.”
Pearce will notch his long-awaited 100-game AFL milestone on Sunday.
It’s taken him 9 years and a number of damaged legs and ankles to get there, however the first-year skipper is grateful to have overcome the quite a few setbacks.
“It’s taken me a while. There’s probably been some moments it was maybe in doubt,” Pearce mentioned.
“My injuries have been a huge part of me as a player. It’s not something I’ve overly enjoyed talking about.
“I’ve tried to make it not one thing that has outlined who I’m – my accidents and setbacks.
“Hopefully it’s strengthened my resilience and helped me enjoy the time I’ve had out there.”
Pearce mentioned he’s feeling for two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, who has gone by means of his personal harm hell lately.
Fyfe is sidelined with a fractured foot and is not any assure to play once more in 2023.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
