Pearce suffered a fractured forearm during a marking contest against Gold Coast on Sunday, according to scans. The injury will keep the 29-year-old out of action for an estimated 3-4 weeks.
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Pearce has been exceptional this season, performing at an All-Australian level and arguably standing out as the league’s top key defender. He consistently nullifies the opposition’s premier tall forwards week after week.
His stellar form has been crucial for Fremantle, especially since losing Brennan Cox (hamstring) and Oscar McDonald (knee) early in the season. Inexperienced defenders like Josh Draper and debutant Hugh Davies have stepped up in their absence.
Fremantle is likely to take a cautious approach with Cox, who recently returned to action with managed minutes in Peel Thunder’s reserves after recovering from a serious hamstring injury. McDonald, who underwent knee surgery in April for a complex injury, remains approximately two months away from returning.
This week, Fremantle faces Sydney, whose tall forward lineup includes Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald, and Hayden McLean. Coach Justin Longmuir may consider deploying Luke Ryan as a key defender, a role in which he has excelled when needed, alongside the 193cm Heath Chapman as a third tall defender.
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“We’re obviously disappointed to lose Alex for the next few weeks. He’s had a fantastic season in defence so far, and his leadership has been outstanding,” said Fremantle’s executive general manager of football, Joe Brierty.
“Our medical team will work closely with Alex to facilitate his return to the field as soon as possible and provide him with the best possible support following his surgery.
“With Alex unavailable, it opens up an opportunity for someone else to step up and fill that role.”
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