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Why Dockers coach sees ruck conundrum as a good thing
Why Dockers coach sees ruck conundrum as a good thing

Yahoo

time25-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Why Dockers coach sees ruck conundrum as a good thing

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has a big rucking problem - but he can't understand why everyone is such a downer about it. The Dockers have been heavily criticised over the past two years for apportioning such a significant chunk of their salary cap on two ruckmen - Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson. The issue is again a hot talking point following Darcy's recent knee injury and the way Jackson has thrived as the lead ruckman in his teammate's absence. Put simply, Jackson plays his best football when he leads the ruck, and it's the position he enjoys the most. The former Demon has been cast mainly as a key forward in the games Darcy has been fit to play, but Jackson has become increasingly vocal about his love for the lead ruck role. Darcy is an out-and-out ruckman who has never kicked more than 12 goals in a season. Rumours are still circling that Jackson could request a trade back to Melbourne at the end of the season. That would be disastrous for Fremantle, given Darcy's injury history over recent years and form struggles this season. Darcy has missed the past two weeks with a jarred knee - and Fremantle have posted convincing wins over GWS and Port Adelaide in that period. Jackson starred in both of those games, and he was arguably best afield against Port Adelaide with 38 hit-outs, 21 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and a goal assist. drop punt from there is absolutely wild.#KalyakoorlWalyalup #AFLFreoPower — Walyalup Football Club (@freodockers) May 24, 2025 Darcy is expected to be passed fit to return for Saturday's crunch clash with high-flying Gold Coast at People First Stadium. With the Suns boasting star ruckman Jarrod Witts, the inclusion of Darcy could prove handy. But would it hinder Jackson's game? Many pundits think so. And would opting for two ruckmen give Jackson further fuel to seek a trade away from Fremantle? These are key questions Longmuir will have to answer, but the sixth-year coach sees having two classy ruckmen up his sleeve as a huge positive. "To have two players who are really good at their position - I see it as a good problem," Longmuir said. "Everyone else sees it as a bad problem, but I'd see it as a good problem. "Jacko has got flexibility to play other positions. There's other ways we can get him around the footy. "And Sean's proven over the course of a long time that he's one of the best rucks in the comp against some of the bigger bodies, especially the big-bodied ruckmen. "So it's a good problem to have." Given Darcy's lack of pre-season following ankle and knee issues, Longmuir may opt to bring back the 26-year-old via the WAFL. The Dockers (6-5) need to find a replacement for rebounding defender Cooper Simpson, who injured his AC joint in the win over Port.

Dockers provide crucial update on Darcy's return to footy
Dockers provide crucial update on Darcy's return to footy

Perth Now

time20-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Perth Now

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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