Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has conceded the club will adopt a cautious approach regarding Sean Darcy’s latest injury setback, as the Dockers prepare to face an unpredictable Western Bulldogs outfit. Darcy sustained a calf injury while progressing through concussion protocols, with the club estimating a recovery timeline of three to five weeks.
Longmuir confirms cautious recovery plan
Speaking to 7NEWS, Longmuir indicated the recovery period is likely to lean towards the longer end of that estimate, given the recurrence of the injury. “We’ve listed it at about three to five weeks, so there’s a little bit of scope for a quicker recovery there,” Longmuir said. “It’s a similar injury to what he did over the pre-season, so we’ll be a little bit more cautious since it’s a recurrence, so he’s got a little bit of time left on the sideline. But he’s positive and approaching it really well and really keen to come back a better player than he was at the start of the year.”
Opportunity for Mason Cox
Darcy’s absence provides a clear window for Dockers recruit Mason Cox to solidify his position as the number two ruckman. Cox impressed in the 14-point victory over Carlton, kicking two goals and recording eight hit-outs. While Cox is not expected to match the exploits of Luke Jackson, Longmuir highlighted the importance of having a strong secondary ruck option to manage Jackson’s explosive impact.
“(Jackson) can do some things that not a lot of others can do on the footy field,” Longmuir said. “I think his follow-up work shows what he can do, and he had a few of those moments throughout the game, and that’s why we don’t play him those long minutes in the ruck so he can have that energy and be a game changer for us.”
Fremantle prepare for unknown Bulldogs lineup
Fremantle are bracing for a Bulldogs side that could feature several key players returning from injury. West Australian forward Aaron Naughton is a test after a sickening fall while attempting a mark, though scans have cleared him of nerve damage. Star ruckman Tim English is also a chance to return from a knee injury, posing a significant challenge for Cox. Speedster Arthur Jones is listed as a test following a hamstring strain.
Longmuir emphasised that regardless of the final Bulldogs lineup, his team will prepare for their best. “It makes them a little bit unpredictable, but we’ll scout them to have all those players,” he said. “Like I say every week, we expect the Dogs to be at their best and even if some of those players don’t get up, they’ve still got a lot of weapons in that team and one of the best midfields in the comp. So we’ll be preparing for them at their best and readying for a four-quarter effort from us.”
