Breaking news: Fremantle Dockers captain Alex Pearce ruled out of clash against Collingwood Magpies amid persistent shin pain…

**Fremantle Dockers’ Captain Alex Pearce Sidelined for Collingwood Clash Due to Ongoing Shin Injury**

**Injury Woes Continue for Fremantle’s Skipper**

Fremantle Dockers’ captain, Alex Pearce, has been ruled out of the highly anticipated Round 19 clash against the ladder-leading Collingwood Magpies at the MCG on Sunday, as he continues to battle persistent shin pain. The star defender’s absence is a significant blow for the Dockers, who are aiming to solidify their position in the AFL’s top eight with a strong performance against the premiership favorites. Pearce’s injury, identified as a stress-related issue in his shin, has plagued him since Round 11, limiting his game time and casting doubt over his availability for upcoming matches, including the crucial Western Derby.

**A Troubled Recovery Journey**

Pearce’s shin injury first surfaced after Fremantle’s Round 11 victory over Port Adelaide on May 24, 2025. Initially diagnosed with a stress reaction in his leg, the 30-year-old defender was sidelined for multiple games, missing wins against Gold Coast, Essendon, North Melbourne, and St Kilda, as well as the team’s bye week. A brief return in Round 17 against Sydney at the SCG offered hope, but Pearce pulled up sore after the match, leading to his exclusion from the Dockers’ impressive victory over Hawthorn last weekend. Fremantle’s High Performance Manager, Phil Merriman, confirmed that Pearce is still experiencing “awareness” in the affected shin area, prompting the club to adopt a cautious approach given his history of leg injuries, including past fractures.[](https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/fremantle-dockers/fremantle-dockers-captain-alex-pearce-ruled-out-of-clash-against-collingwood-magpies-amid-persistent-shin-pain-c-19365542)[](https://www.fremantlefc.com.au/news/1831803/rnd19-injury-update-pearce-fyfe-young)

**Impact on Fremantle’s Defensive Line**

The absence of Pearce, a key pillar in Fremantle’s backline, poses a challenge for coach Justin Longmuir as the team prepares to face a potent Collingwood attack. The Magpies, fresh off a narrow loss to Gold Coast, are set to regain key forwards Brody Mihocek and Patrick Lipinski, with Beau McCreery also likely to return. Pearce’s role as a tall defender would have been critical in countering Collingwood’s forward line, and his absence may force Fremantle to rely on players like Oscar McDonald or consider recalling Brandon Walker from the WAFL to bolster their defense.[](https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-magpies-have-a-number-of-key-players-to-recall-this-week-bobby-hill-might-be-one-of-them-20250714-p5mew8.html)[](https://afl.com.au/news/1365698/medical-room-the-full-afl-injury-list-r19)

**Cautious Approach to Recovery**

Fremantle’s medical staff are taking no chances with Pearce, prioritizing his long-term health over a premature return. The club’s cautious approach stems from Pearce’s injury history, including a broken arm last season that led to further complications when rushed back too soon. Merriman indicated that Pearce has not yet progressed to full training, and the defender is expected to miss at least one to two more weeks, putting his participation in the Western Derby in doubt. This conservative strategy reflects Fremantle’s focus on ensuring their captain is fully fit for the critical final rounds of the season.[](https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/fremantle-dockers/fremantle-dockers-captain-alex-pearce-ruled-out-of-clash-against-collingwood-magpies-amid-persistent-shin-pain-c-19365542)[](https://nit.com.au/17-06-2025/18595/it-had-to-be-perfect-dockers-skipper-still-grounded)

**A Glimmer of Hope for the Dockers**

Despite Pearce’s absence, Fremantle remains optimistic about their prospects against Collingwood. The team’s recent form, highlighted by a finals-like performance against Hawthorn where they laid 103 tackles, showcases their resilience and depth. Midfielder Hayden Young is poised to return after a series of injuries, potentially as a substitute or through the WAFL, adding firepower to the Dockers’ lineup. With vice-captain Andrew Brayshaw cleared to play despite a recent head knock, Fremantle is well-positioned to challenge the Magpies if they can replicate their high-pressure game plan.[](https://perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/fremantle-dockers/fremantle-dockers-could-get-hayden-young-and-alex-pearce-back-for-afl-blockbuster-against-collingwood-c-19354088)[](https://www.fremantlefc.com.au/news/1831803/rnd19-injury-update-pearce-fyfe-young)[](https://afl.com.au/news/1365719/eye-on-the-pies-fremantle-dockers-chasing-statement-scalp-against-ladder-leader-collingwood-magpies)

**Looking Ahead**

As Fremantle navigates this challenging period without their captain, the focus will be on managing Pearce’s recovery carefully to ensure he returns at full strength. The Dockers’ ability to adapt in his absence will be crucial as they face a defining stretch of the season, with their sights set on a top-four finish.

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