McPharlin blow for Dockers
Fremantle defender Luke McPharlin is set for another lengthy stint on the sidelines after he was today ruled out for up to four weeks with a knee injury.
McPharlin suffered the injury early in the 40-point win over Adelaide.
His absence is a bitter blow to the Dockers, who were already dealing with news that All-Australian defender Michael Johnson will miss up to a month with a medial ligament strain.
McPharlin missed three games earlier this year due to a thigh injury, and coach Ross Lyon said the veteran’s latest setback was related to an old injury.
“He had a scan. It doesn’t look great,” Lyon told Perth radio station 6PR last night.
“He hurt it early (in the game). He played out really strongly and did the job on Walker.”
Alex Silvagni is set to replace McPharlin, while rebounding defender Garrick Ibbotson will be shifted into Johnson’s role.
“We’re pretty comfortable with what we can put in with Alex,“ Lyon said.
“We normally only play two tall defenders anyway.”
