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Team news: Fremantle Dockers ruckman Sean Darcy returns to face Adelaide

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Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
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Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy will make his return from injury on Sunday after being named to face the Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium.

Darcy missed the last two matches after suffering a soft tissue injury behind his knee against Brisbane at the Gabba.

The Dockers attempted to use Rory Lobb as his replacement, but were demolished in the ruck, losing the hit-outs 86-38 during those two games. That dominance allowed their opponents to win the clearances 74-49 and surge the ball forward.

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Darcy will confront Reilly O’Brien and give the team a recognised ruckman in the centre square. Fremantle are now set to play with three tall forwards and that has left Brandon Matera and Lachie Schulz under pressure for their positions.

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Sam Sturt of the Dockers kicks the ball during the Round 1 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Fremantle Dockers.
Camera IconSam Sturt of the Dockers kicks the ball during the Round 1 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Fremantle Dockers. Credit: MICHAEL DODGE/AAPIMAGE

Matera has managed only 17 disposals and three goals from the last three games while Schulz has kicked two goals from 24 possessions.

The pair are both on the extended interchange bench which also includes impressive youngsters Hayden Young, Caleb Serong and Sam Sturt.

Midfielder Connor Blakely has also been named on the extended bench and will be hoping to be included in the final team when it is selected tomorrow.

Connor Blakely of the Dockers.
Camera IconConnor Blakely of the Dockers. Credit: GARY DAY/AAPIMAGE

The Dockers need another midfielder to replace injured captain Nat Fyfe and the experienced Blakely impressed during last week’s practice match.

“Clearly he’s good around clearance in the contested situation,” coach Justin Longmuir said of Blakely.

“He can clearly accumulate possessions. His ability to find the ball was really strong. He’s really adaptable and been willing to learn. He’s been a real positive attitude around the place. He’s done a lot right.”

Taylin Duman and Bailey Banfield were also added to the bench ahead of Sunday’s clash.

Taylin Duman of the Dockers is seen in action during the Round 14 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Fremantle Dockers.
Camera IconTaylin Duman of the Dockers is seen in action during the Round 14 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Fremantle Dockers. Credit: JULIAN SMITH/AAPIMAGE

The Crows named captain Rory Sloane but he still has to prove his fitness after injuring his ankle last week.

Experienced midfielder Matt Crouch looms as his replacement if he can’t play. Crouch was named on the extended bench after being a shock axing last week.

Kyle Hartigan, Andrew McPherson and Ben Davis were also named on the bench. Adelaide didn’t make any omissions as part of the 26-man squad.

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