Fremantle have ruled Ethan Hughes out for the season, according to High Performance Manager Phil Merriman.
 
In the Perth Radiological Clinic injury update for round 23, Merriman said Hughes would not be able to recover in time for next week’s final game of the season against Hawthorn at the MCG.
 
Hughes sustained the ankle injury in the third term against Brisbane on 6 August and was initially given a slight chance of recovering in time.
 
“Ethan was going to struggle to get back for the Hawthorn game, so we decided to rule a line through him for the season,” Merriman said.

Merriman gave an update on both Sean Darcy (ankle) and Heath Chapman (shoulder), with the pair looking to return to full training after the Christmas break.
 
Darcy has returned to Perth as he ramps up his recovery training, while Chapman has completed surgery on his dislocated shoulder.
 
“Sean is back in Perth. He’s been doing a lot of cross-training sessions and strength sessions,” Merriman said.
 
“We’re expecting to see him back in the program post-Christmas.
 
“Chapman has had surgery. We’ve had a good report from the surgeon.
 
“He’ll progress his running loads up until Christmas and we look forward to seeing him into the full football program post-Christmas.”

Merriman said young defender Josh Draper was a test to return from a groin injury and play for Peel against West Perth at Rushton Park on Saturday.
 
“Josh has been progressing, he didn’t quite get to the line last week with that groin, we expect to see him playing managed minutes this week,” Merriman said.
 
INJURY LIST
Josh Draper (groin) – Test
Ethan Hughes (ankle) – Season
Heath Chapman (shoulder) - Season
Sean Darcy (ankle) – Season
Brandon Walker (knee) – Season
Nat Fyfe (foot) – Season
Sebit Kuek (knee) - Season

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