Fremantle lose talisman Josh Treacy ahead of key Geelong clash as Nat Fyfe returns from suspension
Fremantle will be without their leading spearhead Josh Treacy for what looms as a top-fourshaping clash against fellow premiership contenders Geelong.
Treacy, 22, injured his knee in the final quarter of the Dockers’ one-point loss to Essendon at the MCG on Sunday and has been ruled out of taking on the Cats at the SCG on Saturday.
It’s a huge blow for the Dockers, with Treacy having a breakout season as a forward, booting 45 goals in 20 games this season to lead their pursuit of a return to finals.
Consistency has been the hallmark of Treacy’s season, having kicked a goal in every game he’s played and multiple goals in 13 matches.
There were reports earlier this week that Treacy was set to be sidelined for weeks because of the injury, but this was shot down by coach Justin Longmuir.
“He’s got a collision injury. I think there’s some reports going around that it’s significant, but it’s not significant,” Longmuir said.
On releasing the team, the club said they were hoping Treacy would be fit to take on Greater Western Sydney in round 23.
Pre-season supplemental selection period recruit Patrick Voss has been named for his fifth game this season and first since the Dockers’ round 18 loss to Hawthorn down in Launceston.
The Dockers have welcomed back dual Brownlow medallist and former skipper Nat Fyfe who missed the clash against the Bombers because of suspension for striking West Coast’s Jai Culley.
Fyfe’s return has seen Neil Erasmus dropped after only one game back into the AFL side, collecting only 13 disposals in 46 per cent game time before being subbed out of the clash.
Camera IconNeil Erasmus makes way for Nat Fyfe after just one game. Credit: Fremantle Football Club/Fremantle Football Club
Forward Tom Emmett will also miss because of suspension, while veteran James Aish has been omitted after being the starting sub in the past three games.
Midfielder Matt Johnson returns after missing the past three games with a foot injury, while half-back Karl Worner will return for his first game since round 15.
Geelong have lost important defender Sam De Koning because of a knee injury while Jed Bews has been omitted.
West Australian product Mitch Duncan has been named in the side alongside veteran forward Gary Rohan.
Camera IconJames Aish has been dropped after three straight sub appearances. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Fremantle will be desperate to claim the four points as the race for top four spots heats up.
The Dockers missed an opportunity to sit in third before their disappointing loss to Essendon, slipping to sixth and only a win inside the top eight.
Fremantle have won their past four games at Optus Stadium by an average of 39 points, while they’ve won the past three meetings against Geelong.
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