Marsh Community Series: Fremantle Dockers pip West Coast Eagles by 1 point

Fremantle gun Stephen Hill is set for more time on the sidelines after scans confirmed he suffered a fresh injury during the Dockers’ Marsh Series win over the Eagles.

Braden Quartermaine and Kate Salemme

4 min read

March 9, 2020 - 11:12AM

Nat Fyfe was a class above for the Dockers — as always. Picture: AAP

Fremantle

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Injury-plagued Fremantle gun Stephen Hill will spend more time on the sidelines after suffering another quad injury.

Scans on Sunday confirmed Hill has damaged his quad again, with the Dockers unsure when he will return.

The 29-year-old left the ground at three-quarter time of the Dockers’ Marsh Series win over West Coast on Saturday fearing he had suffered an injury after experiencing some awareness in the area.

He has battled persistent quad injuries over the last two years.

“Stephen experienced some discomfort in his left leg during the game, so we rested him for the last quarter with intention of having scans today,” Fremantle football boss Peter Bell said.

“The subsequent report from the scans confirmed that Stephen sustained an injury to his left quad. He will undergo further testing in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury.”

Hill was restricted to just three games last year after battling quad and hamstring injuries, while he managed just 13 games in 2018.

He signed a two-year deal with Fremantle at the end of last year.

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Stephen Hill will have scans on his quad. Picture: Getty

West Coast unveiled their new fab four midfield but if fans were expecting fabulous footy they’ll have to wait another fortnight.

An ugly first three quarters were worth sitting through for the bright finish though, with an undermanned but spirited Fremantle springing to life with five consecutive late goals to pinch yesterday’s thriller by one point.

The Dockers prevailed 8.7 (55) to 7.12 (54) in the Marsh Community Series fixture at Joondalup’s HBF Arena, coming from 23 points down in the final term.

Prized recruit Tim Kelly joined Elliot Yeo, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff in a revved-up West Coast engine room but the near full-strength Eagles outfit spluttered rather than cruised before coming to a stop and being overrun.

The Dockers diligently attempted to apply their new game plan, often chipping in long chains across halfback in an effort to retain the ball. They had struggled to generate enough forward entries for most of the game before their five-goal purple patch.

West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern made his return from achilles surgery when he entered the game just before halftime, while Fremantle had a huge scare when ruckman Sean Darcy went down in pain with an ankle injury early in the second term.

Darcy had his right ankle examined by medicos in the dugout before disappearing to the rooms for treatment and then returning and playing out the game.

WHO STOOD OUT

Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe led from the front and youngster Andrew Brayshaw was a willing helper. Michael Walters grew into the game after a quiet first half. Defender Griffin Logue kept Josh Kennedy quiet in another assured performance.

Elliot Yeo was the most damaging of the Eagles’ midfielders, having eight clearances and eight inside 50s. He capped his 33-possession outing with a goal in the final term. Jack Redden was also strong to send a reminder he’s a valuable part of the on-ball unit.

SELECTION TIME – WEST COAST

The Eagles went in with only 24 rather than the 26 players teams are allowed to field during the pre-season.

They left out ruckman Tom Hickey and young defender Harry Edwards, who both played in the WAFL curtain raiser, while midfielder Xavier O’Neill replaced Brendon Ah Chee (illness).

Forward Jack Darling (cheekbone) is a certain inclusion for round one, while young ruckman-forward Bailey Williams, who missed yesterday with hamstring tightness, remains in contention for a round debut if fit.

So West Coast could cut four players from yesterday’s team. O’Neill will come out, along with one of the defenders – likely Will Schofield or Jackson Nelson. Liam Duggan was prominent with 32 touches and will expect to break back in after being left out for both finals last year.

Lachie Schultz bobbed up for the Dockers. Pictures: AFL Photos/Getty Images

Nathan Vardy, who had four disposals and didn’t take a mark, would have liked to have done more to push his case as the back-up ruckman and remains vulnerable.

Jarrod Brander is an interesting choice as a wingman and did some good things at times. The 195cm key position prospect won’t rack up big numbers but his overhead ability came in handy so he adds a new dimension to the midfield. The Eagles look serious about finding a spot for him this season.

SELECTION TIME – FREMANTLE

The Dockers left out defender Luke Ryan and midfielder James Aish, saying they were rested due to soreness, as they also went in with only 24.

With those two walk-up starts for the season-opener if fit, Fremantle will have to cut at least four players from yesterday’s team.

Inexperienced forward Hugh Dixon looks an automatic omission, while Tobe Watson and Ethan Hughes could be vying for the same place in defence. Mitch Crowden, Sam Sturt and Travis Colyer will face nervous waits.

Cam McCarthy got his chance on the wing after the injury to Blake Acres and did enough to suggest he could hold his place. Top-10 draft pick Caleb Serong only played the second half in an indication he might miss out.

The wildcards are Connor Blakely and Brandon Matera, who played for Peel in the curtain raiser after being omitted. Are they out of round one contention or was this a just rocket to fire them up?