Fremantle and West Coast are set to have extended squads of approximately 28 players for Saturday’s scratch match at Lathlain Park, but Freo will be without talls Sean Darcy and Matt Taberner for the clash, according to general manager of football operations and performance, Joe Brierty.
The game will be closed to fans under the AFL’s Covid-19 protocols however the game will be streamed live on fremantlefc.com.au.
Darcy remains on track to play in round one after sustaining a pre-season knee injury while Taberner (quad) is on track to play minutes in next Sunday’s AAMI Community Series game, also against the Eagles at Optus Stadium.
“Sean is progressing really well with a running program and intro to footy next week,” Brierty told SportFM.
“We’re really happy with how he’s gone so far, it was obviously disappointing for Sean to have that knee injury a few weeks back but he’s been meticulous in his reconditioning program and everything is progressing well at this stage planning for him to be available for round one.
“There’s potential that Matt might be available at the back end of the week for the West Coast (AAMI Community Series) game for some minutes.”
In the absence of Taberner, Fremantle fans are set to get their first look of key forward Josh Treacy.
Treacy was selected by Fremantle in the 2020 NAB AFL Rookie Draft and, according to Brierty, has put his hand up for a debut in 2021.
“He’s really impressed across the pre-season. Obviously he was a late pick in the rookie draft but from a needs perspective, he gives us some flexibility in our forward half,” Brierty said.
“He’s a real competitor with his attack on the footy and he really crashes the pack and gives our forwards a chance when it hits the ground.
“He’s really impressed so far and he’s going to have his opportunity over the next couple weeks in a couple pre-season fixtures. He’s been really impressive.”
Defenders Joel Hamling and Alex Pearce are also likely to get some game time in the scratch match as they continue to build after missing the 2020 season due to injury.
“Both are going really well. Being out of the game for longer periods of time, we’ve got to manage their loads and you can’t rush them back too quickly,” Brierty said.
“Both took part in the intraclub last week and we’re looking forward to seeing them this weekend as well against West Coast.
“With the extent and length of time they were out of the game we have to manage their loads closely and monitor that as they transition back in.
“They’re really excited to have a competitive hitout.”
