Fremantle Dockers star ruckman Sean Darcy is set to miss the start of the 2025 AFL season after undergoing minor ankle surgery this week. The 26-year-old had a screw removed from his right ankle in a procedure aimed at clearing an infection that had developed in the joint.
Darcy, who has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, previously had surgery on the same ankle in July 2023. The latest setback comes after he spent part of the summer in Doha, Qatar continuing his rehabilitation from knee surgery at the end of the 2024 campaign.
Two Weeks of De-Loading Before Return to Training
Following the removal of the screw, Darcy will be on light duties for the next two weeks to recover from the procedure. Fremantle’s football manager Joe Brierty provided an update on the ruckman’s status:
“Sean saw a specialist yesterday regarding the infection and it was agreed that the right call is to remove the screw to ensure that there aren’t any long-term ongoing issues with infection. The removal of this screw will mean that Darcy will have a couple of weeks de-loading to recover from the procedure before re-commencing training.”
– Joe Brierty, Fremantle Dockers Football Manager
Unlikely to Feature in Round One Against Geelong
The surgery means Darcy will miss Fremantle’s pre-season matches against the Indigenous All Stars on February 15 and Melbourne on March 2. He is also unlikely to be available for the Dockers’ challenging round one clash with Geelong on March 15.
Despite this latest injury hurdle, the club remains optimistic about Darcy’s recovery and potential impact in 2025. Brierty noted the positive progress the ruckman had made during his time in Qatar:
“The way he attacked that time over in Doha with the specialists was great to see and he’s brought back some really important exercises that will assist his function and movement. He’s really excited about what this will do for his knee strength into the future.”
– Joe Brierty, Fremantle Dockers Football Manager
Aiming for Return in Early Rounds
While the ankle surgery is a frustrating setback, Fremantle remains hopeful that Darcy will only miss a small number of games to start the season. Brierty outlined the club’s expectations for the star ruckman’s return timeline:
“All going well, it is anticipated that there will only be a small adjustment to his return to play timelines with the aim to return to football in the early rounds of the season.”
– Joe Brierty, Fremantle Dockers Football Manager
Sean Darcy’s absence will be felt by Fremantle in the early stages of the 2025 AFL season, but the club is taking a long-term view with his recovery. If the talented ruckman can overcome his recent injury woes and return to his dominant best, the Dockers will be well-positioned to challenge for a finals berth and potentially more in the coming campaign.
As the countdown to round one continues, Fremantle fans will be closely monitoring Darcy’s progress and eagerly awaiting his return to the field. The club’s medical and coaching staff will be working diligently to ensure he is fully fit and ready to make an impact when he does eventually pull on the purple jumper once again.
