Fremantle captain Alex Pearce has suffered a significant setback, being ruled out for up to four weeks following an arm injury sustained during the team’s win over Gold Coast. Pearce, who has been in outstanding form this season, landed awkwardly on his left forearm during a marking contest on Sunday. Subsequent scans revealed a fracture, sidelining the 29-year-old defender for 3-4 weeks.
Pearce’s injury comes at a challenging time for Fremantle, as he has been a crucial part of the team’s defense, consistently neutralizing the opposition’s best tall forwards. His performance has been particularly vital following the early season injuries to Brennan Cox and Oscar McDonald, who have both been out of action since round one. With Pearce now joining them on the sidelines, the Dockers will need to rely on their depth and versatility in the backline.
Despite the setback, the Dockers have options to manage the upcoming matches. Coach Justin Longmuir may consider deploying Luke Ryan in a key defensive role, a position he has handled effectively in the past. Additionally, Heath Chapman, standing at 193cm, could be utilized as a third tall defender to bolster the defense against Sydney’s formidable forward line, which includes Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald, and Hayden McLean.
The Dockers’ executive general manager of football, Joe Brierty, expressed disappointment over Pearce’s injury but remained optimistic about his return. “It’s obviously disappointing to lose Alex for the next few weeks. He has had a fantastic year and his leadership has been exceptional,” Brierty said. “Our performance health team will work closely with Alex to ensure he returns to football as soon as possible, providing him with the best support following his surgery.”
Fremantle’s medical staff will also continue to monitor Brennan Cox, who is making a gradual return through managed minutes with Peel Thunder’s reserves, and Oscar McDonald, who is still two months away from returning after knee surgery in early April.
As the Dockers prepare to face Sydney, they will need to adapt quickly and find effective replacements for Pearce to maintain their defensive strength. The team’s resilience and strategic adjustments will be crucial in navigating this period without their captain.
