Fremantle could be bolstered by the returns of up to three important names, with midfielder Adam Cerra, forward Sam Switkowski and defender Alex Pearce all pushing to be available for selection against Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Pearce (knee) last played in round one, Switkowski (finger) in round three and Cerra (ankle) in round five.
Executive general manager of football Peter Bell said the trio had all progressed in their recoveries to potentially return to football this week.
Bell added that any players declared fit to return via the WAFL would not be able to make their returns from injury this weekend due to a competition-wide bye.
“All of those three have been really diligent with their reconditioning programs,” Bell said.
“They’ve got a main training session to get through this Thursday. We’re expecting that they’re in a really good place to get through that and then we’ll make a decision as to their availability on the weekend.
“It’s complicated somewhat by the fact that there’s a Peel bye because of the state game.”
Bell said Luke Ryan wouldn’t be available for selection to face Essendon as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
“Luke‘s going well but, at this stage, he’ll be at least a week away,” Bell said.
Bell said forward Michael Frederick had returned to Perth after sustaining an ankle injury in round eight.
“Michael sustained a syndesmosis injury during the game against Brisbane,” Bell said.
“We’ve sent him back to Western Australia for further scans and surgical review and evaluation.
“We’ll be in a position to update a bit more later in the week.”
INJURY LIST ROUND 9
Sam Switkowski (finger) - Test
Adam Cerra (ankle) - Test
Alex Pearce (knee) - Test
Luke Ryan (calf) - 1 week
Joel Hamling (ankle) - 4 weeks
Stephen Hill (hamstring) - 4-5 weeks
Hayden Young (hamstring) - 5-7 weeks
Michael Frederick (ankle) - TBA
Ethan Hughes (shoulder) - TBA
Bailey Banfield (ankle) - TBA
Heath Chapman (shoulder) - Season
Sam Sturt (knee) - Season
Sean's synergy
Two players earn coaches' votes
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