McPharlin trains with eye to Dogs
Luke McPharlin trained at Fremantle Oval this morning as the club weighs up whether to bring the veteran defender back against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
McPharlin did not play against Essendon last week due to calf soreness, but was outstanding in the opening five rounds of the season.
The 33-year-old has been listed as a test on the club’s injury list, with strength and conditioning coach Jason Weber saying McPharlin would need to train today, then see how he pulled up, if he was to face the Bulldogs.
McPharlin hit the track with his teammates this morning and joined in the main warm-up and kicking drills before being pulled aside for a fitness test.
The key defender completed a series of sprints under the watchful eye of Weber before jogging laps with captain Matthew Pavlich away from the main group.
Catch me if you can ... Nat Fyfe turns on the speed as Michael Barlow and Matthew Pavlich struggle to keep in touch. Pic: Getty Images
The 22 who lined up against the Bombers all trained, with only a handful of those who played for Peel Thunder missing from the track.
Promising forwards Hayden Crozier and Max Duffy were among those not sighted while the session was open to the media.
Zac Dawson continued to train strongly as he prepares for a return from a groin injury with Peel on Saturday.
Alex Silvagni (hamstring), Michael Apeness (knee), Anthony Morabito (knee) and Ryan Crowley (provisional suspension) also failed to appear.
The Dockers, who sit on top of the AFL ladder after starting the season with six straight wins, will hold their main session on Friday before flying to Melbourne.
The Dockers squad stretch out across Fremantle Oval. Pic: Getty Images
