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

Justin Longmuir hints Sean Darcy AFL return is imminent after the Fremantle Dockers coach revealed a final decision on the star ruckman's comeback will be made later this week. Darcy has spent the past three weeks building fitness in the WAFL following a calf injury, and his return could come as soon as this weekend as Fremantle chase a remarkable 14th consecutive AFL victory.

The Dockers are enjoying one of their strongest periods in recent years, and Darcy's potential return adds another layer of excitement ahead of a crucial clash against the Gold Coast Suns.

After several encouraging performances at state league level, the 28 year old appears close to reclaiming his place in Fremantle's senior side.

Darcy Impresses During WAFL Return

Darcy has steadily worked his way back to full fitness through appearances for Peel Thunder in the WAFL.

His performances have provided encouraging signs for Fremantle's coaching staff, particularly a standout display against East Perth where he collected 16 disposals and kicked two goals.

The experienced ruckman has looked increasingly comfortable with each outing and appears ready for the demands of AFL football.

Speaking to Channel Seven, Longmuir indicated Darcy had taken another significant step forward during the weekend.

"He took another good step forward on the weekend at Peel, played with the right intensity and had a really good match up which will prepare him for AFL footy as well," Longmuir said.

"We'll have a chat later in the week on whether he returns this week or if it's one more week."

The comments represent the strongest indication yet that Darcy's AFL comeback is now only days away.

Luke Jackson's Form Creates Selection Challenge

While Darcy's fitness appears close to AFL standard, Fremantle faces an interesting selection dilemma.

Luke Jackson has been one of the competition's most influential ruckmen in recent weeks and has thrived as the Dockers' primary big man during Darcy's absence.

Jackson's outstanding form has played a major role in Fremantle's winning streak, making it important for the coaching staff to find the right balance between reintegrating Darcy and maintaining Jackson's momentum.

Longmuir acknowledged that challenge when discussing Darcy's possible return.

"We need to make sure we don't play Jacko out of form, which I don't think is going to happen, to make sure he's right come the back end of the year when the really important stuff is played," he said.

"We need to find a balance with that, and whether that's with Sean or Mason on the side, we'll strike that balance."

The comments suggest Fremantle will carefully manage both players as the finals race intensifies.

Mason Cox Faces Increased Pressure

Darcy's likely return could place additional pressure on Mason Cox, who has served as Jackson's support option in recent weeks.

With Darcy delivering strong WAFL performances and approaching full fitness, competition for places is increasing throughout the Dockers lineup.

Fremantle's growing depth has become one of the club's biggest strengths during its current winning run.

The availability of experienced players returning from injury provides Longmuir with valuable flexibility as the season enters a critical stage.

Dockers Near Full Health at Perfect Time

Another positive for Fremantle is the club's exceptional injury situation.

The Dockers are expected to have all 44 listed players available for selection this weekend, with forward Sam Sturt the only player currently considered a test.

Longmuir praised the work of the club's medical and fitness departments for maintaining such strong player availability throughout the campaign.

"I think a lot of it goes down to good management. I think the fitness and medical staff have done a really good job to ensure our availability is really strong," he said.

"Obviously, there's a little bit of luck with collision injuries and things like that, but I think a lot of it comes down to management."

The ability to field a near full strength squad could prove decisive as Fremantle pushes toward September.

Bye Week Provides Fresh Boost

Fremantle fitness manager Adam Beard also highlighted the importance of the recent schedule in helping players recover and prepare for the second half of the season.

The Dockers benefited from a bye week alongside a stretch of three consecutive games in Western Australia, giving the squad valuable recovery time.

"The schedule has given us a good opportunity to get some solid loads into the players, but also to give them an opportunity to refresh and regenerate," Beard said.

"They've done really well, and we've had really good buy in from the playing group."

The combination of careful workload management and player commitment has contributed significantly to Fremantle's current fitness levels.

Gold Coast Clash Looms Large

Fremantle's next challenge comes against Gold Coast, the team that ended the Dockers' season in a heartbreaking elimination final last year.

Despite that painful memory, Longmuir insisted his side will not use revenge as a motivational factor.

"There's been a lot of games that have happened between now and then, and both teams are different in a lot of different ways," he said.

"We'll be preparing for their best footy, which they've probably been showing but not as consistently as they like."

Gold Coast will likely be without star recruit Daniel Rioli after he suffered a broken jaw in last week's loss to Hawthorn. However, Wil Powell could return after recovering from a shoulder injury.

For Fremantle, the focus remains on extending their winning streak and continuing their push toward finals.

With Sean Darcy on the verge of returning and a fully fit squad at his disposal, Longmuir enters the second half of the season with an enviable selection headache and growing expectations around the Dockers' premiership prospects.