FREMANTLE has been dealt a major blow, with star ruckman Sean Darcy ruled out indefinitely due to a knee injury.
Darcy was sore during the Dockers’ first practice match against West Coast, but was cleared to play against Port Adelaide last Friday night.
However, he was pulled out of the Power game at halftime and returned sore, prompting a scan on Sunday that indicated the necessity for a left knee arthroscope.
“Following specialist advice it was agreed with Sean that the best course of action was to complete an arthroscope to remove some of the loose bodies that were identified from the scan to be causing the discomfort,” Joe Brierty, the Fremantle football manager, said.
“This procedure will enable Sean to get back to full fitness after an initial reloading period post the procedure.”
Fremantle said it will provide a timeline for Darcy’s rehabilitation in the coming days.
It’s another setback for Darcy, who had ankle surgery after his 2023 season was cut short in round 18.
MEDICAL ROOM. Check out the complete injury list.
The 25-year-old inked a six-year contract in December that will keep him with the Dockers until the end of 2030.
With Darcy out, Luke Jackson will have to step up to the No.1 ruck position, as Fremantle faces Brisbane, North Melbourne, Adelaide, and Carlton in the first month of the season.
Nathan O’Driscoll, an emerging winger, will also miss the early stages after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot superficial to his right knee.
“Nathan will be off-feet for a couple of days after the procedure, but it is expected that we will recover quickly from the procedure,” Brierty told reporters.
“Once he ticks off his load progressions, he should be able to transition back into football fairly quickly.”
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