Fremantle captain Alex Pearce is likely to miss at least next week's clash with Essendon due to a knee injury, but the Dockers have three in-form defenders vying to replace him. Hugh Davies, Oscar McDonald, and Josh Draper each delivered impressive performances in Peel Thunder's six-point victory over East Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday, keeping themselves in the selection frame.
Strong WAFL Showings
Hugh Davies collected 19 disposals and nine marks, including two crucial one-on-one intercepts against former teammate Sebit Kuek in the first quarter. Oscar McDonald, who played the opening two games of the AFL season but has since been unable to break back into the senior side, tallied 17 disposals in the first half before fading after the main break. Josh Draper, who rotated through multiple defensive roles and also served as a back-up ruckman, used his closing speed to snuff out several dangerous East Perth attacks.
Peel coach Adam Read expressed confidence that any of the three could step up at AFL level. "I'd be stoked for any of them," Read said. "JL and the match committee have got a tough decision next week on who they pick, because they've all been playing well and they all deserve a shot at AFL level."
Hugh Davies Impresses
Davies, 21, has played two senior games across his fourth season at the club, both coming late in the 2024 campaign when Brennan Cox was injured. He has been in fine form for Peel, averaging 18.8 disposals and eight marks per game in six WAFL appearances this season. Read praised the Claremont product's composure and team-first attitude. "He is such a level-headed guy and such a team player," Read said. "He's not shown any frustration. He's come down, played his role, been a leader. He's been exceptional."
Oscar McDonald's Versatility
McDonald had been playing as a forward in recent weeks but was swung back to defence against East Perth. Read acknowledged the move was partly to give him a chance to press his claim for Pearce's spot. "It was more the balance of the team," Read explained. "With their potent forward line, we needed the coverage, so Oscar goes back and helps balance out that area."
Brandon Walker Sidelined
One defender not in contention is Brandon Walker, who entered concussion protocols for the second time in two weeks after suffering a head knock against the Royals. Read expressed disappointment for the 23-year-old. "The poor guy, he was looking good, he'd had a great week on the track and I thought he jumped into the game really nicely," Read said. "I'll let the medical staff handle that and see what they say."
Read was unsure whether Walker would face an extended absence given the proximity of the concussions. The Dockers will monitor his recovery closely as they finalise their lineup for the Essendon clash.
