Mixed injury update for Fremantle Dockers veterans Alex Pearce, Michael Walters and Jaeger O'Meara
Fremantle's resurgence as a finals contender has received another timely boost, with the news veteran pair Michael Walters and Jaeger O'Meara could be available after this week's bye.
But the prognosis on Alex Pearce isn't as clear, with the Dockers skipper remaining under a cloud after missing last week's win over Gold Coast.
Fremantle high performance manager Phil Merriman said Walters and O'Meara were in the frame to potentially be available for the club's round 14 clash with North Melbourne at Optus Stadium.
'It's exciting for those two to be back after a long stint on the sidelines,' Merriman said.
'Both are training fully this week with the bye and then we'll hopefully have them as a test to play the following week.'
O'Meara has been battling hamstring and foot injuries and last appeared for the Dockers in Gather Round six weeks ago, while Walters is yet to play this season off knee surgery.
Walters looks likely to come back through the WAFL, with spots at a premium in the Dockers' forward line.
The prospect of Pearce returning after the bye from shin soreness is less certain.
'He's got a hotspot in his shin and we're just assessing that as we go,' Merriman said.
The only casualty from Saturday's grinding win over Gold Coast at Carrara was Karl Worner with hamstring tightness.
'Karl just experienced some hamstring tightness during the game (on Saturday), we took a no-risk approach to that one,' Merriman said.
'He's just going to have a slow week this week at training and then we may look to test him to play the following week.'
Off-season recruit Quinton Narkle is only one week away, while Sam Sturt had also turned the corner on knee injuries.
'Quinton's progressed really quickly over the last two weeks, so much like the other two we're hoping he'll be a test and be available to play in round 14,' Merriman said.
'He's (Sturt) been up and down a bit in this reconditioning program, but Sam is starting to look good.
'Hopefully all going to plan in the next two to three weeks we'll see Sam back out there.'
Defender Brandon Walker is listed as three to four weeks away with a shoulder injury, with midfielder Hayden Young is listed as six to seven weeks off a return from a hamstring complaint.
Both Fremantle and Peel Thunder have a bye this week, giving the players a chance to recover over four days coming out of the Gold Coast game.
'We'll get them in at the back of this week and then give them the weekend off and then it's into a normal training week next week preparing for North Melbourne,' Merriman said.
Fremantle's round 14 clash with North Melbourne will be an away game, which means that tickets or premium hospitality are not included in any membership or premium season packages.
The Dockers sit inside the eight heading into the bye and have an opportunity to consolidate their finals chances with games against the Roos, Essendon and St Kilda, all in Perth, before they take on struggling Sydney in the Harbour City.
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The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Danger ready to fire as Cats eye Suns' top-four spot
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"But he's trained really well for a few weeks and probably that, in the context of previous hamstring issues he's had, this is right at the minor end. "We probably would have pushed him a little bit harder if we were in the last couple of games of the season, but didn't feel the need to do that. "So he's definitely right." Dangerfield and club debutant Jack Martin are set to add scoring weapons to Geelong's front half alongside Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron. Ollie Henry has been managed, opening the door for injury-plagued former Carlton and Gold Coast forward Martin to feature in the Cats' line-up for the first time since signing as a free agent last year. The 30-year-old recruit has proved his fitness in two VFL games since overcoming his latest calf muscle setback. "It's fair to say that everyone's excited to see what he can do," Scott said. 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"It might be a little bit different if we were sort of saying they're top-four after three or four rounds. "But it's past the half-way mark of the year and they're still up there and they've been formidable." Chris Scott is confident Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield is ready to return to his bullocking best against Gold Coast, with an AFL top-four spot on the line. Dangerfield is back from his latest hamstring injury at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday as the Cats (8-4) seek to leap above the fourth-placed Suns (8-3) on the ladder. History is on their side after seven wins in as many attempts against visiting Gold Coast teams at the Kardinia Park venue. Scott, who dismissed that record as irrelevant this week, will welcome back Dangerfield after a fortnight on the sidelines. The two-time premiership coach suggested his skipper could have played in the Cats' last-start win over West Coast if required. As usual, Geelong have taken a conservative approach to the 35-year-old's rehabilitation as they eye another finals campaign later in the season. "The assessment would be that last week was the extra week, if we were going to think about it that way," Scott said. "But he's trained really well for a few weeks and probably that, in the context of previous hamstring issues he's had, this is right at the minor end. "We probably would have pushed him a little bit harder if we were in the last couple of games of the season, but didn't feel the need to do that. "So he's definitely right." Dangerfield and club debutant Jack Martin are set to add scoring weapons to Geelong's front half alongside Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron. Ollie Henry has been managed, opening the door for injury-plagued former Carlton and Gold Coast forward Martin to feature in the Cats' line-up for the first time since signing as a free agent last year. The 30-year-old recruit has proved his fitness in two VFL games since overcoming his latest calf muscle setback. "It's fair to say that everyone's excited to see what he can do," Scott said. "The whole competition knows there's something special in there, (but) he just hasn't been afforded the opportunity to show it regularly." Geelong are prepared for wet-weather football, with a maximum of 15 degrees and rain forecast on Saturday. "The game does change, there's no doubt about that," Scott said. "There's no point putting your head in the sand and saying, 'Right, we want to keep playing dry weather footy necessarily if it's wet'. "But Gold Coast had some experience last week in slippery conditions and we feel like we play in those conditions a bit." The Suns have a 0-8 overall record at GMHBA Stadium but have not played at the venue since 2021. On their most recent visit they were thumped by Essendon in front of empty stands at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The thing that's really relevant for us is just how good they have been consistently this year," Scott said. "It might be a little bit different if we were sort of saying they're top-four after three or four rounds. "But it's past the half-way mark of the year and they're still up there and they've been formidable." Chris Scott is confident Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield is ready to return to his bullocking best against Gold Coast, with an AFL top-four spot on the line. Dangerfield is back from his latest hamstring injury at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday as the Cats (8-4) seek to leap above the fourth-placed Suns (8-3) on the ladder. History is on their side after seven wins in as many attempts against visiting Gold Coast teams at the Kardinia Park venue. Scott, who dismissed that record as irrelevant this week, will welcome back Dangerfield after a fortnight on the sidelines. The two-time premiership coach suggested his skipper could have played in the Cats' last-start win over West Coast if required. As usual, Geelong have taken a conservative approach to the 35-year-old's rehabilitation as they eye another finals campaign later in the season. "The assessment would be that last week was the extra week, if we were going to think about it that way," Scott said. "But he's trained really well for a few weeks and probably that, in the context of previous hamstring issues he's had, this is right at the minor end. "We probably would have pushed him a little bit harder if we were in the last couple of games of the season, but didn't feel the need to do that. "So he's definitely right." Dangerfield and club debutant Jack Martin are set to add scoring weapons to Geelong's front half alongside Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron. 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The Suns have a 0-8 overall record at GMHBA Stadium but have not played at the venue since 2021. On their most recent visit they were thumped by Essendon in front of empty stands at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The thing that's really relevant for us is just how good they have been consistently this year," Scott said. "It might be a little bit different if we were sort of saying they're top-four after three or four rounds. "But it's past the half-way mark of the year and they're still up there and they've been formidable."
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Renouf doubles down on 2006 speech to inspire Broncos
Brisbane legend Steve Renouf has revived a 2006 speech he made and urged the current squad to "own your jerseys" and do past greats proud in the hope they can turn around their recent form slump. The Broncos have lost six games out of seven and must get their season on track against last-placed Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. In 2006, Brisbane lost five games on the trot with four-time premiership winner and the club's leading try scorer Renouf ringing coach Wayne Bennett, concerned about the displays and that some players weren't "owning" the jerseys they were wearing. At that stage the greats of the 1990s had a mortgage on what it meant to be a Bronco. Renouf's No.3, Allan Langer's No.7 and the No.11/12 of Gorden Tallis had a real gravitas. "In 2006 I was watching them, like I have been of late, and I rang Wayne and said, 'that was terrible'," Renouf told AAP. "He said, 'why don't you come in and tell them?' I came to training with my 1992 grand final jersey. I gave a talk and said, 'there are only someof you that treasure the jersey like we did. This is my jersey, No.3.' "I said, 'I want you to take it off me. You have to want that jersey'." The Broncos kept the jersey and put it up in the dressing room in their stellar run to win the grand final. Darren Lockyer, Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva, Brad Thorn and Justin Hodges are among the 2006 players who would be in the Broncos' greatest ever side. Of the current group only Payne Haas would have a similar claim. "That Broncos jersey has always come with a standard attached to it and it still does," Renouf said. "It is one of the most well-know sporting brands in the country. It is a privilege to play for our club. "The players have to do the jersey proud and compete for 80 minutes. We weren't perfect but we knew if we were down in a game our teammate would pick us up. "We didn't see that against Manly (in last week's 34-6 loss) and it's just not there at the moment. They hit a rough patch and they just drop the ball." Renouf is hoping for "a reverse reaction" against the Titans. "It comes down to individuals. Payne shines every week and (lock) Pat Carrigan," Renouf said. "I don't want to single out players and be personal but it is about self-realisation. Wayne used to say, 'you tell me what you think I might not be happy with'. It makes you realise where you did stuff up and need to improve." When Renouf speaks about how the club changed his life as a footballer and a man, the emotion and care for the Broncos is palpable. His comments come absolutely from the right place. Renouf has spoken of his high regard for current centre Kotoni Staggs and recently dropped outside back Selwyn Cobbo, both of whom he has worked with in the Deadly Choices program to promote positive health and life choices in the Indigenous community. He wants both players to be part of a successful Broncos future. Staggs said he was committed to honouring past greats like Renouf. "That's the legacy that they started and they've handed down to us. They've been people that we've looked up to," he said. "This jersey that we put on, it means a lot. For what I do in this jersey myself, it's about who I pass it down to next. Every time I put this jersey on, I wear it with all my heart. I try to make sure I leave everything out on the field." Brisbane legend Steve Renouf has revived a 2006 speech he made and urged the current squad to "own your jerseys" and do past greats proud in the hope they can turn around their recent form slump. The Broncos have lost six games out of seven and must get their season on track against last-placed Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. In 2006, Brisbane lost five games on the trot with four-time premiership winner and the club's leading try scorer Renouf ringing coach Wayne Bennett, concerned about the displays and that some players weren't "owning" the jerseys they were wearing. At that stage the greats of the 1990s had a mortgage on what it meant to be a Bronco. Renouf's No.3, Allan Langer's No.7 and the No.11/12 of Gorden Tallis had a real gravitas. "In 2006 I was watching them, like I have been of late, and I rang Wayne and said, 'that was terrible'," Renouf told AAP. "He said, 'why don't you come in and tell them?' I came to training with my 1992 grand final jersey. I gave a talk and said, 'there are only someof you that treasure the jersey like we did. This is my jersey, No.3.' "I said, 'I want you to take it off me. You have to want that jersey'." The Broncos kept the jersey and put it up in the dressing room in their stellar run to win the grand final. Darren Lockyer, Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva, Brad Thorn and Justin Hodges are among the 2006 players who would be in the Broncos' greatest ever side. Of the current group only Payne Haas would have a similar claim. "That Broncos jersey has always come with a standard attached to it and it still does," Renouf said. "It is one of the most well-know sporting brands in the country. It is a privilege to play for our club. "The players have to do the jersey proud and compete for 80 minutes. We weren't perfect but we knew if we were down in a game our teammate would pick us up. "We didn't see that against Manly (in last week's 34-6 loss) and it's just not there at the moment. They hit a rough patch and they just drop the ball." Renouf is hoping for "a reverse reaction" against the Titans. "It comes down to individuals. Payne shines every week and (lock) Pat Carrigan," Renouf said. "I don't want to single out players and be personal but it is about self-realisation. Wayne used to say, 'you tell me what you think I might not be happy with'. It makes you realise where you did stuff up and need to improve." When Renouf speaks about how the club changed his life as a footballer and a man, the emotion and care for the Broncos is palpable. His comments come absolutely from the right place. Renouf has spoken of his high regard for current centre Kotoni Staggs and recently dropped outside back Selwyn Cobbo, both of whom he has worked with in the Deadly Choices program to promote positive health and life choices in the Indigenous community. He wants both players to be part of a successful Broncos future. Staggs said he was committed to honouring past greats like Renouf. "That's the legacy that they started and they've handed down to us. They've been people that we've looked up to," he said. "This jersey that we put on, it means a lot. For what I do in this jersey myself, it's about who I pass it down to next. Every time I put this jersey on, I wear it with all my heart. I try to make sure I leave everything out on the field." Brisbane legend Steve Renouf has revived a 2006 speech he made and urged the current squad to "own your jerseys" and do past greats proud in the hope they can turn around their recent form slump. The Broncos have lost six games out of seven and must get their season on track against last-placed Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. In 2006, Brisbane lost five games on the trot with four-time premiership winner and the club's leading try scorer Renouf ringing coach Wayne Bennett, concerned about the displays and that some players weren't "owning" the jerseys they were wearing. At that stage the greats of the 1990s had a mortgage on what it meant to be a Bronco. Renouf's No.3, Allan Langer's No.7 and the No.11/12 of Gorden Tallis had a real gravitas. "In 2006 I was watching them, like I have been of late, and I rang Wayne and said, 'that was terrible'," Renouf told AAP. "He said, 'why don't you come in and tell them?' I came to training with my 1992 grand final jersey. I gave a talk and said, 'there are only someof you that treasure the jersey like we did. This is my jersey, No.3.' "I said, 'I want you to take it off me. You have to want that jersey'." The Broncos kept the jersey and put it up in the dressing room in their stellar run to win the grand final. Darren Lockyer, Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva, Brad Thorn and Justin Hodges are among the 2006 players who would be in the Broncos' greatest ever side. Of the current group only Payne Haas would have a similar claim. "That Broncos jersey has always come with a standard attached to it and it still does," Renouf said. "It is one of the most well-know sporting brands in the country. It is a privilege to play for our club. "The players have to do the jersey proud and compete for 80 minutes. We weren't perfect but we knew if we were down in a game our teammate would pick us up. "We didn't see that against Manly (in last week's 34-6 loss) and it's just not there at the moment. They hit a rough patch and they just drop the ball." Renouf is hoping for "a reverse reaction" against the Titans. "It comes down to individuals. Payne shines every week and (lock) Pat Carrigan," Renouf said. "I don't want to single out players and be personal but it is about self-realisation. Wayne used to say, 'you tell me what you think I might not be happy with'. It makes you realise where you did stuff up and need to improve." When Renouf speaks about how the club changed his life as a footballer and a man, the emotion and care for the Broncos is palpable. His comments come absolutely from the right place. Renouf has spoken of his high regard for current centre Kotoni Staggs and recently dropped outside back Selwyn Cobbo, both of whom he has worked with in the Deadly Choices program to promote positive health and life choices in the Indigenous community. He wants both players to be part of a successful Broncos future. Staggs said he was committed to honouring past greats like Renouf. "That's the legacy that they started and they've handed down to us. They've been people that we've looked up to," he said. "This jersey that we put on, it means a lot. For what I do in this jersey myself, it's about who I pass it down to next. Every time I put this jersey on, I wear it with all my heart. I try to make sure I leave everything out on the field."
ABC News
10 hours ago
- ABC News
Jai Opetaia and Justis Huni set for twin world title fights on Sunday
Sunday, June 8 is shaping up to be a potentially seismic day for Australian boxing. In the morning (AEDT), unbeaten heavyweight Justis Huni will look to make the most of the surprise launch pad and set himself up for some of the biggest nights in sport. Then, half a world away on the Gold Coast that evening, Jai Opetaia will defend his IBF and The Ring cruiserweight world titles. Huni will face Briton Fabio Wardley in what is expected to be a boiler-house atmosphere at Ipswich Town's Portman Road stadium for the interim WBA heavyweight championship. The winner of that fight puts himself closer to the heavyweight championship of the world. And although Huni is a big underdog amongst the bookies, some are backing the Aussie with the impressive amateur pedigree to step up and shock the man whose pre-professional experience is limited to four white collar boxing bouts. Like the 27 challengers who have come before him, Opetaia (27-0, 21KOs) is intent on swatting away the threat of Italian Claudio Squeo (17-0, 9KOs) as he plans to derail the Australian boxing superstar's undisputed world title dream. Despite entering the bout as a 15-1 underdog, the Italian is promising to prove the doubters wrong and pull off one of boxing's great boilovers at the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre. "This is a big opportunity to shock the world, the people writing you off," Squeo said through a translator on Friday. But with a multi-million-dollar payday and a place in Australian boxing immortality also at stake, Opetaia is having none of it. With much bigger fish to fry, the 29-year-old is vowing to win whatever way is required, knowing a loss is non negotiable ahead of a succession of potential super fights that could propel him to Hall of Fame status. "I believe I can beat him in the pocket, I believe I can outbox him. We are just going to fight smart," Opetaia said. "We've got to choose our battles and just wait til Sunday." The fight comes almost three years after a then-unfancied Opetaia defied two jaw fractures to beat champion Mairis Briedis and claim his two straps. Opetaia has fought five times since, with the Briedis rematch last year his only genuine challenge, and is yet to land a shot at the other three belts in his division. Badou Jack owns the WBC belt but it is WBO and WBA champion Gilberto Ramírez who is firmly in Opetaia's sights. The Mexican two-weight champion is due for a mandatory defence later this month and insistent he will face Opetaia next. Should both win, as most predict they will, Opetaia will be in line to finally secure a unification blockbuster against Ramírez later this year. An Opetaia-Ramírez mega-money four-belt stoush would sit nicely on the undercard to September's historic duel between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford in Las Vegas. Little wonder why Opetaia's priority is to see off Squeo however he needs to, saying he's even ready to slug it out for 12 full rounds if that is what it takes. "Once that bell goes every time, man, it's on and I'm ready for 12 rounds of war," he said. "I've got no doubt he's going to come forward. That's got to be his game plan. "We've just got to be patient. We just stick to our game plan, do what we do and we put on clinics. "So on Sunday, I love to put on a clinic. We always do the goods, we always put on good performances. "We are some hard-noses. We've been in the trenches the last couple of weeks. I'm riding in the wave. You know how I train to stop people." ABC/AAP
