Fremantle star Hayden Young to miss at least the next fortnight as Dockers trio face test for Richmond clash

Fremantle admit they are still trying to gather more information around Hayden Young’s latest setback as three Dockers face tests for this weekend’s clash against Richmond.

Young picked up a hamstring injury in their first-round defeat to Geelong and, despite playing out the game, was ruled out for their win over Melbourne.

Concerningly, for the 24-year-old, the injury was to his left hamstring, having had surgery to fix his right one last year, and though he was confident of a speedy recovery, he will likely not be seen until at least Gather Round.

“We’ve had a look at the scans and are looking at around two to three weeks for him. We’re just trying to collect a little bit more information there, but he’s progressing well,” high-performance manager Adam Beard said.

It comes as the Dockers could be prepared to welcome back an experienced trio into their line-up, with Jaeger O’Meara, Brennan Cox and Brandon Walker all set to test for Saturday’s game.

Cox has been battling a calf injury picked up in the pre-season, while O’Meara has missed the first two games with a hamstring issue, having impressed at the AFL State of Origin.

Beard was confident both would be available for selection, with the club having taken a cautious approach with their rehabilitation.

“They completed a full football circuit the day of the Melbourne game, and then they completed full training today. We’re really happy with how they’re progressing, so they’ll both be a test for the weekend,” he said.

Walker was a standout performer over the pre-season and was selected ahead of Luke Ryan for the first two games of the season before being a late out with soreness from their win over Melbourne.

The club has now revealed that he had a quad issue and will face a selection battle after Ryan was one of Fremantle’s best in their win on Saturday night.

“We tried to give him every opportunity. He was a little bit sore, so unfortunately, he just didn’t get up. And then, this week progressing, and he’ll be a test to play,” Beard said.

Speedster Michael Frederick is reportedly progressing well from his ankle injury but remains at least a month away from an AFL return.

“He’s doing well. He got on to the ‘AlterG’ today. He ran and is progressing well. Up next, it’ll be running over the ground, so we’ll start that pretty soon, and he’s done a lot of calf work with the recon group.”

FREMANTLE INJURY LIST

Brennan Cox (calf) test

Jaeger O’Mera (hamstring) test

Brandon Walker (quad) test

Hayden Young (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Michael Frederick (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Sam Sturt (knee) TBA