Fremantle High Performance Manager Phil Merriman says skipper Alex Pearce’s availability for this Sunday’s Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presented by South32, will be determined later in the week.
Pearce last played in the Club’s Round 11 win over Port Adelaide and has since been sidelined with a shin injury.
Merriman says the recently turned 30-year-old would undergo a fitness test later this week to determine his availability ahead of Sunday’s Round 16 meeting with St Kilda.
“He’s progressed really well over the last week,” Merriman said.
“We just need to see a little bit more later in the week.
“He will be a test to play.”
Midfielder Will Brodie exited Peel Thunder’s WAFL fixture against South Fremantle in the opening minutes after a head collision.
“He (Brodie) got a head knock, so he’s entered into concussion protocols,” Merriman said.
“He’s in good spirits around the Club and we expect him to be available next week.”
Forward Sam Sturt continues to progress toward a return to football from the knee injury that has kept him out of action so far in 2025.
“He’s (Sturt) progressing really well,” Merriman said.
“He’s had a good week or two on the track, so he’ll do a controlled football session this week, with the plan to play next week.”
The news isn’t so good for young developing ruck/forward Aiden Riddle, who is set for a stint on the sidelines with a foot injury.
Selected in last year’s Rookie Draft, Riddle made his WAFL League debut for Peel Thunder in Round 1, kicking seven goals in eight appearances.
“Unfortunately, he’s (Riddle) picked up a little bit of a stress reaction in his foot,” Merriman confirmed.
“He’s off legs for the next few weeks and will then go through a reloading period.
“Hopefully, we’ll see him back towards the end of the year.”
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