Dockers provide crucial update on Darcy's return to footy
Walyalup (Fremantle) ruckman Sean Darcy and midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll will be cleared to play against Port Adelaide on Saturday if they get through training on Wednesday unscathed.
Darcy sat out last weekend's win over Greater Western Sydney with a jarred knee which allowed Luke Jackson to play as the sole ruckman and he dominated the match.
But Darcy is now set to give selectors plenty of headaches because he has quickly recovered from the injury he suffered against Collingwood, and now the Dockers must determine whether to stick with Jackson or return to their dual ruck set-up.
Walyalup High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said Darcy's availability would be determined on Wednesday. Sean Darcy. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
'He's good. He progressed well through the gears last week. The plan will be to see him main train on Wednesday and if he gets through that he will be available for selection,' he said.
O'Driscoll hasn't played an AFL match since injuring his ankle against the Western Bulldogs on April 6. He made his comeback through the WAFL on May 10 and moved well while gathering 17 disposals, but felt pain after the match and was rested from last weekend.
Merriman said he would also get to test himself on Wednesday.
'He's very similar. He had a good week in the reconditioning program. He'll be training fully on Wednesday and we'll make sure he pulls up well from that and he'll be available as well,' he said. Nathan O'Driscoll. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian
Nat Fyfe is on track to return to action before the mid-season bye with the star preparing for crucial weekend of training as part of his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Fyfe sustained the injury in the WAFL and getting back to action next weekend would most likely see him again wearing a Peel uniform to gain match fitness before the club's bye.
'He is extremely diligent and his training has been outstanding. We will see him do a high volume football circuit this weekend, which is controlled. Then hopefully see him available for selection the following week,' Merriman said. Nat Fyfe. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian
Sam Sturt could join Fyfe this week after making big improvements from his knee injury. He was listed as being four weeks away from playing last week, but is now ready to increase his training with a focus on playing next weekend.
The Dockers remain confident that veteran pair Jaeger O'Meara (hamstring/foot) and Michael Walters (knee) will both be available after the bye.
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