Fremantle fans will get their first glimpse of Shai Bolton in purple as the Dockers announce a nearly full-strength squad for their pre-season match against Melbourne. However, captain Alex Pearce will be absent as he continues to manage an ankle concern. Bolton, who previously faced the Dockers in the Indigenous All Stars match, will now officially take the field alongside his new teammates.
In positive news for Fremantle, Sam Switkowski has been cleared to play after passing concussion protocols following a head knock in a recent marquee match. The team will also feature top draftee Murphy Reid, who has been named on the extended bench. Reid, along with Neil Erasmus and Nathan O’Driscoll, will have the opportunity to make a strong case for selection ahead of round one. On the downside, veteran midfielder Nat Fyfe remains sidelined as he recovers from minor knee surgery. The Dockers are being cautious with the 33-year-old, who is racing against time to be fit for their opening match against Geelong on March 15.
Pearce, despite missing this pre-season clash, has expressed confidence in his availability for round one. “I’m a test for Sunday, but the main goal is round one, and that’s not in question at all,” he assured. Fellow defender Josh Draper will also be absent due to a hamstring issue, with Hugh Davies stepping in to bolster the backline alongside key defenders Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan.
In the ruck, with Sean Darcy still recovering from minor ankle surgery, Liam Reidy has been named to take on Melbourne skipper Max Gawn. The Dockers are optimistic that Reidy, who showed promise in limited appearances last season, can hold his own, allowing Luke Jackson to remain in his forward-ruck hybrid role.
Meanwhile, Melbourne will see the much-anticipated return of Christian Petracca, marking his first match since sustaining serious injuries in last year’s King’s Birthday clash. With both teams fielding strong lineups, the pre-season encounter promises to be a crucial test ahead of the 2025 AFL season.