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Dockers sweat on Lobb, Darcy injuries

3 minute read

Fremantle's top-eight hopes have suffered a huge blow after key players were cut down by injury in their 69-point AFL loss to Geelong.

JUSTIN LONGMUIR
JUSTIN LONGMUIR Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Fremantle's big man stocks have taken a huge double hit after Sean Darcy and Rory Lobb were cut down by injury in Thursday night's 69-point AFL loss to Geelong at Optus Stadium.

Darcy limped off in the final quarter with a suspected MCL injury to his troublesome left knee, while Lobb suffered a potential syndesmosis injury in the first half and was later seen on crutches.

Dockers coach Justin Longmuir is still holding out hope the injuries aren't serious, but scans will determine the extent of the damage.

If the duo are ruled out for next week's clash with Sydney, Lloyd Meek will be called upon to fill the ruck void.

Darcy has been in All-Australian form this season and he was the only Docker to stand up against Geelong, tallying 18 disposals, eight clearances, and 37 hitouts.

"Our fingers are crossed it's not serious. He looks like he's done a bit of damage to his MCL," Longmuir said.

Lobb has been a key target in attack for Fremantle with 20 goals this year, and his injury is further compounded by the fact that fellow spearhead Matt Taberner (calf) is still sidelined.

"He's got a bit of pain in his syndesmosis," Longmuir said.

"I'm not going to guess, it's not the right thing to do, so we'll have to get it scanned."

Longmuir conceded his team were given a reality check by Geelong.

The Cats took 20 marks inside 50m to two, and dominated at ground level despite Darcy's ruck prowess.

The 14.16 (100) to 3.13 (31) loss could see Fremantle slip out of the top eight by the end of the round.

The Dockers are now 1-6 against top eight sides this year, and their flop on the Thursday night stage has raised big questions about their finals prospects.

"I feel really disappointed for our fans who would have come here with high hopes," Longmuir said.

"We just got taught a lesson around the contest and taught a lesson on how to stick to the game plan and execute the basics under pressure.

"This could be one of our greatest lessons and learning curves and we need to treat it like that.

"We need to be better. This is not the first time against good opposition that we've faltered.

"I thought a number of our players got shown up in the contest tonight."

Longmuir revealed Luke Valente, the No.32 pick in the 2018 national draft, had been granted leave from the club to deal with personal issues.

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