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Freo confusion over Simpson no-show

Dockers deny Simpson missed flight

Fremantle have made a backflip over the failure of Josh Simpson to make the team's flight to Sydney on Thursday.

The Dockers went to great lengths to deny that Simpson didn't turn up at Perth Airport when requested, even making a statement to the AFL's official website.

But club football manager Chis Bond conceded to thewest.com.au tonight that Simpson was guilty of missing the plane.

“We’re dealing with a few issues with Josh over a period of time,” he said.

“He was to be our travelling emergency and then advised us very late before the flight that he wasn’t going to travel.

“From there, we’re just working with him now to continue to assist with those issues.”

However, Bond's statement on radio contradicts his claims to AFL.com.au earlier in the day with which he refuted reports Simpson didn't turn up as requested.

"Josh failed to meet certain club requirements during the week, and as a result was not available at selection at either level of football this weekend," Bond told the website.

The latest incident could be the end of Simpson's AFL career.

He has battled homesickness and personal issues but looked to have turned the corner with a strong performance off the substitute bench in the Dockers' win over Essendon on Sunday.

But the 20-year-old is now in limbo.