​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

Fremantle Dockers ruckman Sean Darcy will again line up in the WAFL after coach Justin Longmuir confirmed on Wednesday that he will miss the club’s clash with Geelong on Thursday night. The decision comes as Darcy continues his return from a calf injury, with Fremantle prioritising his fitness and form before bringing him back into the AFL side.

Darcy returned from injury last month through Peel Thunder after suffering a calf issue while recovering from a concussion sustained during Gather Round. The 2021 Doig Medallist has since played two WAFL matches, using the State league as a pathway back to full match readiness.

In his first game back, Darcy recorded 36 hit outs and 13 disposals in around 80 minutes of action against West Coast ruckman Matt Flynn. He followed that performance with a stronger showing against Swan Districts, collecting 21 disposals and 28 hit outs.

Longmuir said the club remained pleased with Darcy’s progress but believed the ruckman needed another match at WAFL level before returning to AFL football.

“We’ve opted to give him another week in the WAFL,” Longmuir said.

“That’s more to make sure we get him cherry ripe for his return. We probably feel like he hasn’t got to 100 per cent fitness and form just yet and one more week will benefit him in the WAFL before he puts his hand up.”

Darcy is expected to play for Peel Thunder against East Perth in Mandurah on Saturday, where he will come up against experienced ruckman Scott Jones. The match will provide another important opportunity for Darcy to build his conditioning before a potential AFL return.

The Dockers’ decision comes at a key stage of the season as the club prepares to face Geelong in a major test. Fremantle are also set to welcome back several important players, increasing competition for spots in the senior team.

​Vice captain Caleb Serong, defender Brennan Cox and midfielder Matthew Johnson have all been listed as available for selection despite still being listed as tests on the club’s injury report. Their potential returns will create a difficult selection challenge for the coaching staff.

Oscar McDonald appears the most likely player to make way for Cox after featuring in Fremantle’s recent win. However, Serong and Johnson returning could also force further changes after the Dockers produced a dominant 124 point victory over North Melbourne before their mid season bye.

Longmuir acknowledged that the club’s improving health and strong performances at WAFL level had created a positive but challenging situation for the playing group.

“This week, we’re going to have to leave some guys out and make some changes with guys who are in really good form,” he said.

“It’s a good position to be in as a footy club. We’ve got a lot of players who are fit, we’ve also got a lot of players who are in good form at Peel at WAFL level.”

The Fremantle coach said players missing selection should not be viewed as a reflection of poor performance, with several players competing for limited opportunities.

“Unfortunately, some players are going to have to miss out,” Longmuir said.

The Dockers’ upcoming match against Geelong will be an important opportunity to assess their depth and adaptability as they push through the second half of the season. The availability of Serong, Cox and Johnson provides a significant boost, while Darcy’s continued WAFL stint ensures he can return when fully prepared.

Fremantle’s approach highlights the club’s focus on managing player workloads and ensuring returning players regain full confidence before stepping back into AFL competition. Darcy’s next performance for Peel will be closely watched as the Dockers continue to build towards the latter stages of the season.