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Fremantle to be bolstered by return of superstar Michael Walters to face Carlton

The West Australian
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Michael Walters is set to return to face Carlton.
Camera IconMichael Walters is set to return to face Carlton. Credit: Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via AFL Photos

Fremantle are set to be boosted by the return of star Michael Walters for Saturday’s clash with Carlton.

Dockers high performance manager Jason Weber said Walters trained “really strongly” after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered late in the loss to Geelong.

Since then, the Dockers have won back-to-back matches against Collingwood and Hawthorn, with Walters’ likely inclusion a massive boost for the young side.

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Michael Walters receives treatment to his left leg.
Camera IconMichael Walters receives treatment to his left leg. Credit: Paul Kane/AFL Photos
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Midfielder Stefan Giro could also be available for Saturday’s match at Optus Stadium and will face a fitness test on his injured ankle.

“Stef’s done a fantastic job,” Weber said.

“He’s been incredibly patient and trained incredibly hard.

“He got through the ACL injury but unfortunately had that big ankle injury. He’s up and going this week and we’ll look to get him in through the reserves.”

Giro hasn’t played for the Dockers since round 22, 2018.

Travis Colyer has been ruled out for three weeks after scans revealed a “low-level” hamstring strain.

He joins Griffin Logue (toe, five to seven weeks), Sam Switkowski (back, five to seven weeks) and Sam Sturt (ankle, TBA) on the sidelines.

The Dockers are already without Darcy Tucker (hamstring), Joel Hamling (ankle), Alex Pearce (ankle) and promising rookie defender Hayden Young (ankle) for the rest of the season.

But there’s positive signs for Connor Blakely.

“Connor was caught awkwardly in a tackle (against Hawthorn),” Weber said.

“The scans have all come back really good. He’s pulled up well with good strength this morning so he’ll train this week and be available.”

Carlton meantime will be without superstar recruit Jack Martin for the Dockers clash.

The Blues are hopeful Martin, who injured his calf in the loss to West Coast, will be available for the Sir Doug Nicholls Round against Gold Coast next Friday night.

Carlton are expected to regain big man Harry McKay to face Fremantle, but Mitch McGovern and David Cunningham remain sidelined.

Fremantle take on Carlton from 6.10pm on Saturday.

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