Fremantle Dockers will be missing their key forward, Josh Treacy, for their crucial match against Geelong this weekend. Treacy, who is 22 years old, sustained a knee injury in the final quarter of Fremantle’s narrow one-point defeat to Essendon on Sunday at the MCG. As a result, he will not be available for the game against Geelong at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
This is a significant setback for Fremantle as Treacy has had a standout season, scoring 45 goals in 20 games and playing a vital role in their drive towards the finals. His consistency has been remarkable, with him scoring in every match this season and netting multiple goals in 13 games.
Despite initial concerns that Treacy’s injury might keep him out for an extended period, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir clarified that the injury is not as severe as some reports suggested. Longmuir mentioned that the injury resulted from a collision but is not considered serious. The team hopes Treacy will be fit to play in round 23 against Greater Western Sydney.
Patrick Voss, who was recruited during the pre-season supplemental selection period, has been included in the team for his fifth game of the season. This will be his first appearance since the Dockers’ round 18 loss to Hawthorn.
Fremantle will also see the return of dual Brownlow medallist and former captain Nat Fyfe, who missed the game against Essendon due to a suspension for striking West Coast’s Jai Culley. Fyfe’s return means Neil Erasmus is dropped after a brief stint back in the AFL, having collected 13 disposals before being substituted out.
Forward Tom Emmett will miss the game due to suspension, and veteran James Aish has been omitted following three consecutive games as the starting sub. Midfielder Matt Johnson, who has been sidelined with a foot injury, will return, and half-back Karl Worner will make his first appearance since round 15.
Geelong has also been affected by injuries, losing defender Sam De Koning to a knee issue and omitting Jed Bews. West Australian Mitch Duncan has been included, alongside veteran forward Gary Rohan.
With Fremantle needing a win to secure a top-four spot, they are eager to capitalize on their strong home form. They have won their last four games at Optus Stadium by an average of 39 points and have triumphed in their last three encounters against Geelong.
