Fremantle will be without coach Justin Longmuir for Sunday’s Derby due to health and safety protocols and they may also be without star midfielder Caleb Serong.
The former AFL Rising Star winner was absent from training and club General Manager of Football Peter Bell confirms he is dealing with a knee injury.
“He’s actually got a bit of a sore knee at the moment which is impacting his training so he is in some danger of missing on the weekend,” Bell told SEN’s Hase and Marto.
“He was absent from training because we wanted to give him a lighter day at training today and a chance to play on Sunday.”
With Serong in doubt, the Dockers could turn to first-round draft pick Neil Erasmus, who Bell confirmed is close to a call-up.
“Neil’s been really close for a number of weeks. We love the way that he competes, we love how tough he is and whether Caleb is or isn’t available, Neil’s in the mix as well,” he said.
Fremantle could be boosted by the return of key forward Matt Taberner, while Josh Treacy is also available after dealing with an ankle injury.
“They both did (get through training) so they will be available for selection,” Bell said.
“Matt’s had a really good re-conditioning program from his hamstring and he’s also available and we’ll work through both of those players over the next couple of days.”
The teams for Fremantle’s clash with West Coast will be revealed on Saturday, giving both sides as much time as possible to deal with COVID protocols.
The Eagles will be without captain Luke Shuey, star forward Willie Rioli and ruckman Bailey Williams because of Western Australia’s COVID regulations.
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