Star Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy’s knee injury could keep him out for longer than first hoped after undergoing surgery, according to one report.
After missing the final six matches of last season with an ankle injury suffered against Collingwood in round 18, the big man is set to spend at least another six weeks on the sidelines.
The Dockers ruled out the star for round one last week but did not put a timeline on the injury – there were hopes of a four-week recovery — with Darcy undergoing an arthroscope on his left knee.
The 25-year-old pulled up sore after Fremantle’s pre-season clash with Port Adelaide, was initially expected to miss the “opening rounds”.
Channel 9’s Tom Morris is reporting Darcy could miss another six weeks, although conflicting reports suggest Darcy’s recovery is still on track.
“Sean pulled up sore following our match simulation against West Coast; after recovering over the week, he was cleared to play Port Adelaide,” Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty said on March 5.
“Sean was withdrawn at half-time of Friday night’s practice match against Port as a precaution and subsequently pulled up sore again following the game.
“Sean was sent for a scan on Sunday, and following specialist advice, it was agreed with Sean that the best course of action was to complete an arthroscope to remove some of the loose bodies that were identified from the scan to be causing the discomfort.”
Fremantle now faces last year’s runner’s up Brisbane, on Sunday with Luke Jackson as the sole ruckman.
Wingman Nathan O’Driscoll has also been ruled out of the opening round after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot in his right knee.