Fremantle will be without their leading spearhead Josh Treacy for what looms as a top-fourshaping clash against fellow premiership contenders Geelong.
Treacy, 22, injured his knee in the final quarter of the Dockers’ one-point loss to Essendon at the MCG on Sunday and has been ruled out of taking on the Cats at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
It’s a huge blow for the Dockers, with Treacy having a breakout season as a forward, booting 45 goals in 20 games this season to lead their pursuit of a return to finals.
Consistency has been the hallmark of Treacy’s season, having kicked a goal in every game he’s played and multiple goals in 13 matches.
Earlier this week, there were rumours that Treacy may miss weeks due to the injury; however, coach Justin Longmuir refuted these rumours.
“He sustained damage in a collision. Longmuir stated, “I believe there are some reports circulating that it’s significant, but it’s not significant.”
The club expressed hope that Treacy will be ready to play against Greater Western Sydney in round 23 when they released the team.
The selection of Patrick Voss, a pre-season supplemental selection period recruit, is for his fifth game this season and his first since the Dockers’ round 18 loss to Hawthorn in Launceston.
Nat Fyfe, a former captain and two-time Brownlow medallist, has returned to the Dockers. Fyfe was suspended for hitting West Coast player Jai Culley.
Neil Erasmus was only back in the AFL squad for one game when Fyfe’s return resulted in his dismissal. Erasmus finished the match with 13 disposals in 46% of the playing time.
Moving forward Due to suspension, Tom Emmett will also be absent, while James Aish, a seasoned player who started the last three games as a substitute, has not been included.
Matt Johnson, a midfielder, comes back after missing the previous three games due to a foot injury, while Karl Worner, a half-back, is playing again for the first time since round 15.
Due to a knee injury, Geelong lost key defender Sam De Koning, while Jed Bews was left out.
Mitch Duncan, a product of Western Australia, and seasoned forward Gary Rohan have been chosen in the squad.
As the battle for the top four slots intensifies, Fremantle will be eager to secure the four points.
Before their heartbreaking defeat to Essendon, the Dockers had a chance to be in third place; instead, they dropped to sixth place with only one win inside the top eight.
Fremantle has won the last three encounters with Geelong and has won the previous four games at Optus Stadium by an average of 39 points.
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