Pearce is man for Dockers job
Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands has backed young defender Alex Pearce to make an immediate return from a back injury against Gold Coast on Saturday, despite not playing for three weeks.
The Dockers desperately need a key defender to replace Michael Johnson after he was yesterday ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a serious hamstring injury.
Johnson had been in terrific form and teamed superbly with Luke McPharlin during Fremantle’s club record-equalling nine wins in a row in the first nine rounds.
Johnson joined experienced full-back Zac Dawson (thumb), Alex Silvagni (hamstring) and young forward Michael Apeness (knee) on the long-term injury list of key-position players.
Pearce made his AFL debut in round six and played against Essendon and the Western Bulldogs in McPharlin’s absence.
Fremantle have matches against the Suns, Collingwood, Brisbane, Hawthorn, Carlton, Richmond and Greater Western Sydney before any of their experienced back men are likely to be available. Sandilands said Pearce could do the job.
“He’s going well. He trained fully last week so I’m sure if he gets a chance he’ll put his hand up and take it,” Sandilands said.
“He’s a quality kid and a quality player.
“He came in and did the job a couple of weeks ago, so I’m sure he can do it again.
“He’s a young kid with an old man’s brain. He goes about it in the right way, he wants to learn as much as he can and improve and become a great player in a short period of time.
“He’s held in really high regard around the football club, as a lot of our younger players are.”
Gold Coast are expected to recall Charlie Dixon from club suspension this week to play alongside Tom Lynch.
Fremantle tested Chris Mayne, Zac Clarke and Matt Taberner in defence against Richmond last week and have the option of keeping one of them in the back line on Saturday.
Sandilands re-signed with the Dockers yesterday for another 12 months.
Matt de Boer also signed a one-year deal while back-up ruckman Jon Griffin was contracted for two more seasons despite playing just one AFL match in more than two years.
Sandilands will turn 33 in December but missed only one game last season and has been dominant in 2015. He is determined to continue playing for as long as he can.
“We’ve got a very driven group at the moment. It’s a privilege and enjoyment to be at the footy club at this point in time,” Sandilands said.
“It’s great to get another 12 months. I’m feeling really good at the moment.
“My body is holding up. It’s nearly halfway through the season and I haven’t missed a game yet.”
