Fremantle Dockers track watch: Who impressed as players put through gruelling session

Fremantle were pushed to their limits on Monday in 40+ degree heat, with a number of players not lasting the session. Plus we assess how six key Dockers fared in match simulation.

The Dockers were stuck in the heat on Monday. Picture: Fremantle FC

The Dockers have been put through their paces with 60 minutes of match simulation at training on Monday.

Fremantle played two 15-minute quarters early in the session before breaking off into a block of drills.

The players were then challenged with a further two 15-minute quarters at the end of training as the temperature surged past 40 degrees at Victor George Kailis Oval, forcing the final quarter to be split in half for an additional drinks break.

It was all hands on deck in the scorching conditions with AFLW Docker Orlagh Lally, Fremantle head of wellbeing Angie Bain and members of the club’s community department running water to the players.

After 60 minutes of match simulation, the Dockers are currently being put through an intense running block in 42 degree heat. A mixture of sprints and fartlek. Bailey Banfield just had to be taken off by the drinks cart with what appeared to be severe cramp. https://t.co/mkMUraFTVr

— Eliza Reilly (@ByElizaReilly) January 20, 2025

Several Fremantle NGA players joined in the early part of the season, headlined by Shaun McManus’ son Ollie.

Co-vice captain Caleb Serong spent the session in rehab with a strapped shoulder but didn’t appear to be bothered. Defender Brandon Walker and forward Michael Walters ran laps while Sean Darcy spent the first part of training with the main group but didn’t take part in match simulation, joining Serong in a physical rehab session.

Rookie Odin Jones was back at the club for the first time since undergoing back surgery and was seen sporting a brace. Luke Ryan wore a pink non-contact cap after copping a heavy knock to his back last week.

Luke Jackson required physio attention after pulling up sore from a contest early in the session but he played on. Jye Amiss also briefly came from the ground after a heavy knock.

hair is doing a bit, Jacko. #foreverfreopic.twitter.com/ttgMGvi2Ax

— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) January 20, 2025

While the news doesn’t appear to be as good for forward Sam Sturt who limped from the ground after an awkward tackle attempt on Cooper Simpson.

Sturt was later spotted testing his ankle stability and had the joint strapped but didn’t take part in the rest of the session.

The players were also put through a series of sprints and a fartlek running block to finish the more than three-hour session, pushed to their limits despite the temperature hitting 42 degrees at midday. Totalling more than 20 minutes, it was too much for some players in the conditions.

Bailey Banfield had to be taken from the field on the drinks cart after appearing to suffer severe cramping. Josh Draper was also unable to continue and spent several minutes on the floor recovering.

Former Docker Chris Mayne was also on hand at training, getting a look at the AFL system now that he works coaching in the private school football system. Mayne is also set to coach at South Fremantle this season.

Mayney back in the house 💜

love that. #foreverfreopic.twitter.com/E6mUoL1ddF

— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) January 20, 2025

Originally published as Fremantle Dockers track watch: Who impressed as players put through gruelling session