Dockers Sylvia ruled out of Bulldogs clash
High-profile Fremantle recruit Colin Sylvia has been ruled out of tomorrow night’s NAB Challenge game against the Western Bulldogs after suffering a head knock at training.
Sylvia flew to Melbourne yesterday as part of the Dockers’ 29-man squad but was ruled out by club medical staff this afternoon. Two more players will be cut before tomorrow’s 4.10pm (WST) kick-off at Etihad Stadium.
A statement by the club says the injury is only minor.
The news is set to further hamper Sylvia’s chances of being included in Fremantle’s round one side against Collingwood on March 14 after arriving at pre-season underdone after joining the club from Melbourne as a free agent late last year.
Sylvia was restricted to running laps for much of the summer but played in the Dockers’ intra-club match and their 84-point NAB Challenge thrashing at the hands of West Coast last week.
He gathered only five touches against the Eagles.
However coach Ross Lyon leapt to Sylvia’s defence in an interview with The Weekend West, saying the former Demon had dealt with some soft-tissue injuries and had picked up his training intensity over the past month.
“Those writing the doom stories already will be hoping he fails, but we are setting up Colin to succeed,” he said.
“He is doing the work and he is earning some respect.”
