Fremantle Dockers track watch: Sean Darcy and Michael Frederick plead derby case at main training

A pair of injured Dockers needed to get through Wednesday’s session to be considered for the Western Derby. But one looks more certain to return than the other. ELIZA REILLY has the latest from Fremantle’s main training session.

Eliza Reilly

@ByElizaReilly

less than 2 min read

April 17, 2024 - 8:39PM

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – MAY 20: Sean Darcy of the Dockers in action during the round 10 AFL match between Walyalup/Fremantle Dockers and Geelong Cats at Optus Stadium, on May 20, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

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Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy looks set to kick off his season in Saturday’s Western Derby after putting his knee to the test at main training.

Darcy was on the verge of returning in round five against Port Adelaide, flying to South Australia to link up with his teammates. But the Dockers erred on the side of caution and gave Darcy an extra week to build fitness after pre-season knee surgery.

Listed as a test for this weekend, Darcy trained with Fremantle’s main group at Optus Stadium on Wednesday night. Despite sporting some strapping to support his knee, the 25-year-old appeared uninhibited and tested himself with some agility hops and weaving around cones.

Darcy’s return looms as a major boost for Fremantle and an opportunity to exploit West Coast pair Bailey Williams and pinch-hitter Jack Williams. The Eagles could consider selecting one of Harry Barnett or Coen Livingstone to combat the dual ruck threat of Darcy and Luke Jackson.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has already indicated that Darcy will play managed minutes while he builds up match fitness.

Sean Darcy is on the verge of returning. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Michael Frederick looks set to miss again. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Electric forward Michael Frederick appears less certain to return from a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old is listed as a test to face the Eagles after missing Fremantle’s loss to Port Adelaide with the injury.

But after warming up with the main group, Frederick was pulled from training. Before the media had to leave, Frederick was seen leaping for high marks on the sidelines and taking a few shots on goal away from the main group.

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Eliza Reilly

Frederick also missed a pre-season match with a hamstring injury which may come into Fremantle’s thinking given his pace and explosiveness are of high value to the Dockers.

If Frederick is ruled out, first-year draftee Cooper Simpson is in line to debut given fellow small forward Sam Switkowski will miss the derby with concussion. Simpson missed Peel Thunder’s win over East Perth due to illness but was back with the main group on Wednesday.

Heath Chapman is also set to remain in the WAFL for the foreseeable future as he continues a slow build back from a pre-season hamstring setback. The Dockers are opting to take a conservative approach with the young defender given his history of soft tissue injuries.