Docker Clarke looks good for derby
Zac Clarke ran freely at Fremantle training this morning in strong signs the versatile ruckman will be fit to take his place in Sunday’s western derby.
The 25-year-old limped from the ground late in last Sunday’s 44-point win over Geelong at Simonds Stadium after clutching at his left knee in pain.
But the back-up ruckman and forward jogged laps and stretched with no obvious discomfort in front of Dockers fans at Fremantle Oval as he took to the track alongside key defender Michael Johnson.
Johnson also had scans on Monday to check what is believed to have been back soreness after surgery in September last year.
Both first-choice players appeared in good spirits in running laps before heading back into the club’s gym.
Danyle Pearce hinted the playing group had no concerns over Clarke’s fitness.
“We’ve got Spide (Sandilands) and Clarkey,” Pearce said.
“It’s going to be a great (ruck) contest. Nic Nat can jump and we need to make sure we can get on top of him and nullify him as much as possible.
“I haven’t heard any whispers, any rumours (of Clarke missing).
“We’ll go through, we’ll train this week and at match committee if he’s fit he’ll get selected.
“If not then we’ve had a couple of young boys down at Peel playing really well, so the next person will slot in and do their job.”
Tendai Mzungu took part in the full one-hour session after being a late withdrawal against Geelong in signs that he is also ready to play his first match of the season.
Hayden Crozier competed directly against Hayden Ballantyne in stoppage and forward line drills to end the session.
He appears the leading contender to replace the suspended Ballantyne, with the 2014 All-Australian accepting a two-match ban for rough conduct yesterday.
Matthew Pavlich, Garrick Ibbotson, Paul Duffield, Luke McPharlin and Michael Walters only completed light running exercises before leaving the track prior to an open autograph session with fans.
Nat Fyfe was sighted, but did not train during the session.
