Dog and Dogga all smiles as Sean Darcy hits his straps
The Dockers (13-6) have won nine of their past 10 matches to put themselves in the mix to nab a top-four berth with just four games remaining.Fremantle will start as hot favourites in Sunday's clash with Carlton at Optus Stadium, and follow-up wins against Port Adelaide (away), Brisbane (home) and the Bulldogs (away) would almost certainly net them a prized double chance come finals time.Darcy endured soft tissue injuries to go with knee and ankle complaints across 2023 and 2024, and there were more questions about his durability following a slow start this year.
But the 27-year-old has built nicely over recent weeks, and importantly is now pulling up well from games."It wasn't great before," Darcy said of his next-day soreness following matches.
"My dog didn't like me too much the next day after games. I wasn't taking him for walks too much.
"I'm pulling up a lot better now, and that's a credit to our rehab staff and our strength and conditioning staff."
The ruck combination of Darcy and Luke "Dogga" Jackson, which has come under heavy scrutiny in the past, is starting to pay big dividends.
The evolving nature of the relationship means that when Darcy is in the ruck, Jackson often spends time as a big-bodied midfielder, giving Fremantle an X-factor.
"I love the big fella. We're quite close off field as well, which makes it a bit easier," Darcy said.
"We're pretty selfless, both of us."
One quandary Darcy has encountered this year is the big question of who he should hit it to when he's competing for a ruck tap.
Hayden Young, Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Shai Bolton are all A-grade midfielders, and Jackson is just as hungry to receive the ball when he's part of the engine room.
"I've got to keep them all happy - that's half the battle," Darcy said with a laugh.
"But no, we're a pretty selfless group. If we're winning, that's the main thing."
Young, playing just his second match back from hamstring surgery, won the Glendinning-Allan medal as best afield for his 23-disposal, three-goal display against West Coast last week.
"I had some chats with him in rehab, and that's a pretty dark place when you have multiple surgeries or multiple repeat injuries," Darcy said.
"He put his head down, and he worked, and you saw what kind of player he is."
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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Star Dockers mid injured in comeback win over Carlton
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there.
West Australian
5 hours ago
- West Australian
Fremantle Dockers star Nat Fyfe puts hand up for AFL return after sensational WAFL comeback
Dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe has taken a giant stride towards returning to Fremantle's senior side, putting himself at the head of a desperate queue as Fremantle steam towards finals. The midfield bull made a spectacular return from a calf injury in the WAFL on Saturday and was Peel Thunder's best in wet, muddy conditions against Claremont, despite not playing much more than half a game. Fyfe had five touches in a rainy opening term before exploding through the middle of the game, parked on the bench at the last change, having already collected 28 disposals, six tackles and five clearances. His size and poise were a level above as he thrived on the close-quarters combat and slower pace, even if his disposal was rusty at times in the slippery conditions. The midfielder had such an effect that dual Sandover medallist Jye Bolton was sent to curb the 33-year-old's influence. Dockers young gun Cooper Simpson said having Fyfe invested in the Peel boys was a 'special' experience. 'We've got a very young group here at Peel, so to have an experienced player like him with the CV he's got, it's pretty special to play with him any time you can,' Simpson told The West Australian. 'He just adds a cool, calm, collected sort of vibe into that midfield, and when he's got the ball, you know he's going to make the right decision with it. 'It's awesome to have someone like him invested down here at Peel. The experience and knowledge that he has that he can pass on to us young boys is invaluable.' Fyfe put the ball into the selectors' court with his display on Saturday and now opens the door for them to either stick with him at WAFL level and build his minutes, or take him to Adelaide to take on Port. Simpson revealed he and the guys plying their trade with Peel, such as Brandon Walker and James Aish, would 'do anything' to get back in the side. 'I'm hungry as to get a spot back in that team,' he said. 'I'll do anything to get into that team as well as all the other boys. We're dying to get back into that team. 'Hopefully, we go far, but we're taking it one week at a time now.' Fyfe was used in the sub role during his last return from injury earlier this year and could don the vest again in the last month of the home-and-away season. He could even be used as an impact player for the Dockers in finals, supplying his experience and calm nature through the first half of finals before Justin Longmuir pulled the trigger on fresh legs. Meanwhile, Simpson made it clear his shoulder was more than up to the task of AFL should he earn a recall after recovering from a brutal AC injury. 'I have full confidence in it that I can go out there and play my natural game,' he said. 'I've done a mountain of work with all the physios at the club and the doctors and the surgeons so going out there I feel confident in it. 'You've got to feel that big hit when you come back not only physically but mentally so you know that you can take that hit again and that's a big stepping stone (I've cleared).'
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
Star Dockers mid injured in comeback win over Carlton
Star midfielder Hayden Young is set for another frustrating stint on the sidelines after injuring his groin in Fremantle's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. Carlton kicked the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final-quarter comeback, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young was injured late in the first quarter and subbed out after being assessed on the bench. Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) also had a huge impact. Fremantle kicked with the aid of a strong breeze in the opening quarter but failed to capitalise. The Dockers' first inside 50m didn't arrive until the 11-minute mark, and it needed a four-bounce effort from Clark to make it happen. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely man on the field to kick a goal - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. A late goal to Treacy reduced the margin to 18 points at quarter time, but Carlton's clearance dominance continued in the second term. Carlton won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Pat Voss got the perfect sit ✈️#AFLFreoBlues AFL (@AFL) August 3, 2025 Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking proving crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and when Dudley dribbled one through at the 14-minute mark, Fremantle had an 11-point edge. Controversy erupted when Blues forward Corey Durdin was paid a mark despite the ball not appearing to travel the required 15m, with the subsequent goal reducing the margin to four points with seven minutes remaining. But when Dudley popped up for his second and Voss nailed a clutch set shot a short time later, Fremantle were home.
