The key defender was helped from the ground in the third term with a left ankle injury. He sat out the last quarter and ended the game on crutches.

 

Pearce, who played his 50th game last month, previously endured 672 days on the sidelines due to complications with a broken right leg before playing 21 games in 2018.

 

The 23-year-old, who was voted on to the club’s leadership group last year, was ranked by some commentators as being in All-Australian form in the first 10 rounds of 2019.

 

Meanwhile, second-year player Stefan Giro has also been ruled out of the remainder of the season after injuring the ACL in his left knee in Peel’s clash with Subiaco on Sunday at David Grays Arena.

 

Giro arrived at Fremantle with pick no.21 in the 2017 NAB AFL Rookie Draft and played 10 games in his debut season last year.

 

The 20-year-old was yet to play a senior game in 2019.

 

General manager of football Peter Bell said it was disappointing for both players, and particularly frustrating for Pearce.

 

“Stefan has been playing for Peel, working really hard on his craft to try and force his way back into the senior side and Alex has been in outstanding form, and virtually trouble free since returning from that long lay-off after twice breaking his leg,” Bell said.

 

“While it is frustrating for Alex, we know how incredibly resilient and diligent he has proven to be in the past when it comes to recovering from a long-term injury.

 

“We are confident that Alex will tackle this latest setback with the same level of determination and drive, so he can be back playing as soon as possible.

 

“Stefan’s injury is obviously a longer-term prospect and will require a yet to be determined recovery period following surgery.

 

“He will then undertake the appropriate rehabilitation program for an ACL.

 

As we do with all of our players rehabbing a long-term injury, we will ensure that all the necessary care and support is in place for Stefan.”