Fremantle track watch: Standouts, injury concerns and rehearsal of close finishes

Fremantle has completed its final hitout before its clash with the Indigenous All Stars next week. ELIZA REILLY rates a host of Dockers and provides an injury update.

Fremantle has completed its final hitout before its clash with the Indigenous All Stars, getting through 100 minutes of match simulation on Friday morning.

Split into 25 minute quarters with a drinks break at the halfway point of each, the players were put through their paces in the Perth heat.

There were a couple of minor injury concerns headlined by captain Alex Pearce who did not complete the session after tweaking his ankle for the second time in a week. Young forward Jye Amiss was also assessed after hobbling from the ground in the final quarter pointing at the back of his knee.

The Dockers used the final five minutes of the game as a dress rehearsal for close finishes after losing several tight ones last year. The scoreboard was adjusted to read 82-82 all and the countdown clock was wiped meaning players had to rely on signs on the bench.

Luke Jackson celebrates a goal Picture: Fremantle FC

Karl Worner kicked the winning goal after Oscar McDonald gave away a 50m penalty, handing the white team a one-point win.

While both midfields were evenly matched, the coaches manipulated the teams to ensure that Fremantle’s best 22 forward line went up against a best 22 back line.

It meant that Luke Ryan, Alex Pearce, Josh Draper, Brandon Walker, Jordan Clark and Corey Wagner went up against Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy, Michael Frederick, Sam Switkoswki, Cooper Simpson and Luke Jackson.

Brennan Cox (personal reasons) and Heath Chapman (managed) were both in the rehab group while Oscar McDonald switched into the purple backline when Pearce hobbled off with another ankle complaint.

Nat Fyfe (knee), Michael Walters (knee), Quinton Narkle (foot), Hayden Young (hamstring) and Shai Bolton (calf) were also in the rehab group.

Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss. Picture: Fremantle FC

Josh Treacy: His 2024 breakout season was no fluke. Treacy won his battle against Pearce before he went down with injury, outmuscling the captain on two notable occasions in the first half. He missed one regulation goal early and snuck in the next one but he rarely loses his feet and he’s powerful in the air.

Sam Sturt: Lined up in attack for the purple team after overcoming a minor ankle complaint a couple of weeks ago. Bobbed up with a magnificent snap from the pocket to give Purple momentum during the third quarter.

Jaeger O’Meara in action. Picture: Fremantle FC

Jaeger O’Meara: Lined up on the wing for the white team and was one of their best. Looks to have settled really nicely into the role after spending so much of his career as an inside midfielder. Kicked the opening goal of the game after pushing hard forward and set up Aiden Riddle late with a delightful kick inside 50. Rotated through the forward line as well but found plenty.

Liam Reidy: Starting in the ruck for the purple team, Reidy worked well with Andrew Brayshaw, Will Brodie and Neil Erasmus. His mature frame was a tough task for youngster Aiden Riddle and the purple team enjoyed periods of ascendancy from his dominance. Also kicked two goals, including one from a holding the ball free kick.

Alex Pearce hurt his ankle again Picture: Fremantle FC

Alex Pearce: Was enjoying an enthralling battle against Josh Treacy only to tweak his ankle for the second time in as many weeks. Pearce said he was fine after being named captain earlier this week but there’s obviously some instability in the joint and he’ll likely face a fitness test before the Indigenous All Stars game. Was seen with his foot in an ice bucket on the sidelines.

Jacko said nope ❌#foreverfreopic.twitter.com/Qrij550jOx

— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) February 7, 2025

Luke Jackson: Was absolutely everywhere and had to be best on ground. Playing a variety of roles, Jackson was physical and clean. He started forward despite the absence of Sean Darcy and kicked two goals. But he also spent some time as an inside midfielder where he was physical, laying several crunching tackles. He also almost reeled in two magnificent pack marks and finally took one late in the fourth quarter. Loved what he offered and could force Fremantle to pick Liam Reidy earlier in the season to preserve his versatility.

Neil Erasmus was busy Pic: Fremantle FC

Neil Erasmus: Is it finally Neil Erasmus breakout season? The inside midfielder kicked two goals on Friday alongside Brayshaw and Brodie in the purple midfielder. He also found Reid inside 50 in signs his field kicking has improved. He also laid a few strong tackles, one of which resulted in a 50m goal, and was guilty of some turnovers. The question is whether he’s done enough to leap ahead of Fremantle’s preferred midfielders.

Murphy Reid: The first year midfielder/forward showed some really nice signs as he pushes for an early debut. While he looks small out on the field, he makes up for it with his class and vision. Reid kicked the first goal for the purple team after a nice spot from Neil Erasmus. His pressure forced a turnover and Dudley goal in the second quarter and he went into the midfield just before half-time. One to watch.

Cooper Simpson: Playing at half-forward in the preferred forward line, Simpson had to work hard up the ground for his touches at first but his football smarts stood out the longer the game went. Some excellent vision in the fourth quarter set up one of O’Driscoll’s goals. Looks set to take the next step.

Nathan O’Driscoll: Continues to stake his claim for a round one spot with two goals from the wing. Ran hard forward to provide an option on the outside and also spent some time at centre bounces for the white team.

Originally published as Fremantle track watch: Standouts, injury concerns and rehearsal of close finishes