Fremantle football boss Joe Brierty on Dockers’ injury list, Murphy Reid, Neil Erasmus

Fremantle football boss Joe Brierty isn’t concerned about the state of the Dockers’ injury list leading into Round 1 as several players describe this pre-season as the hardest they’ve endured.

Fremantle football boss Joe Brierty isn’t concerned about the state of the Dockers’ injury list leading into Round 1 with several players describing this pre-season as the hardest they’ve endured.

Nine players are under injury clouds leading into Saturday’s clash with Geelong, the equal-fifth longest injury list in the competition.

Four of those – Alex Pearce, Shai Bolton, Michael Walters and Josh Draper – have been listed as tests, while Nat Fyfe, Sean Darcy (2-4 weeks) and Hayden Young (3 weeks) are expected to return within the month.

Bolton is the latest player in doubt, with recent scans revealing the star recruit has suffered a minor stress response in his lower leg. The 26-year-old has also dealt with a calf injury this pre-season.

Shai Bolton is in doubt for round 1. Picture: Getty Images

Vice-captain Caleb Serong described this summer as “the most brutal” yet and several players have expressed a similar sentiment. But Brierty believes the club’s challenging pre-season has produced a resilient playing group.

“It’s a case-by-case (scenario) when you look at those players,” Brierty said.

“With Sean (Darcy), there’s not much you can do for an infection from an old injury, but he’s going really well and his program is progressing in the right way.

“Drapes has a minor hamstring, but he’s completed the majority of the load this pre-season along with Alex (Pearce). Their volumes don’t leave us with any concerns.

“Sonny (Walters) was a contact injury against Melbourne, which you can’t control.

Michael Walters had a strong pre-season before suffering a knock against Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

“The program Phil Merriman has put together has been one that’s focused on our run, particularly high-speed running, and fitness.

“There’s always a balance when you’re transitioning players like Shai in from other clubs and those players have adjusted programs coming in. You need to make sure they adapt and gradually build up to the load the other players are doing.

“But this playing cohort is really young and driven. They’re proud of the fitness they can take into the season. It builds resilience in our group.

“We’re always monitoring and screening our playing group closely and making sure it’s a two-way street in terms of the players and how they’re tracking.”

The AFL’s heat policy is tipped to come into play when the Dockers face the Cats at GMHBA Stadium with a maximum of 36C forecast on Saturday.

Fremantle has regularly trained in intense heat this summer, memorably springing a surprise running session on the players on one 40C day.

The Dockers have also won their last two games at GMHBA Stadium, filling the group with confidence.

“We want to perform against the top clubs and Geelong has been a club that’s consistently played finals for a long time,” Brierty said.

Brierty confirmed that first-round draft pick Murphy Reid is “in conversation” to debut following an impressive summer.

“It’s his ability in the contest and his composure by hand and foot that has stood out,” he said. “He doesn’t seem to be phased by much. The most pleasing thing is he’s been able to deal with the load really quickly. He hasn’t missed too many sessions and he hasn’t looked out of place in our match sim. He’s done everything possible at this point in time. Draftees want to play their first game as soon as possible and I’m sure his time will come because he’s impressed us since he’s arrived at the club.”

Neil Erasmus is also facing Fremantle’s selection crunch after playing just one quarter in the Dockers’ final pre-season hitout against Melbourne.

“Neil invests everything he possibly can into his footy,” Brierty said.

“He took some big steps forward last year and his WAFL form, particularly in the finals series, carried through to pre-season. Coming into round 1, there’s always competition for spots. Neil has been a part of those conversations and whether it’s playing at AFL level or not, he’ll continue to put his best foot forward. Neil is clear on the aspects of his game he needs to continue to work on. He’s had a strong pre-season.”