Fremantle Dockers Set to Showcase New Recruits in AFL Pre-Season Derby
The Fremantle Dockers are poised to unleash their newest acquisitions in a highly anticipated pre-season scratch match against the West Coast Eagles this Saturday at Cockburn. This derby will mark the club debuts for key recruits Mason Cox and Judd McVee, adding fresh talent to the Dockers' lineup as they gear up for the upcoming AFL season.
New Faces to Make Their Mark
In addition to Cox and McVee, draftee Toby Murray and recent SSP selection Chris Scerri will also don the Dockers' colours for the first time against an AFL opponent. These players were included in a 26-player squad announced for the match, signaling Fremantle's commitment to integrating new blood into their team dynamics. However, the squad will be without ruckman Sean Darcy, who is recovering from a minor calf injury sustained during training on January 30.
Darcy has been training separately from the main group, engaging in one-on-one sessions with fellow ruck Aiden Riddle. He is expected to return to full training soon and is slated to play in the following match against Adelaide in Mandurah next Saturday. In his absence, Fremantle will rely on Mason Cox and Luke Jackson to handle rucking duties against the Eagles, presenting an opportunity for these players to prove their mettle early in the season.
Profiles of the Debuting Recruits
Toby Murray, a 20-year-old small forward from Geelong in the VFL, was selected with pick 40 in the national draft. Last season, he impressed with 22 goals and an average of 15 disposals across 17 games, showcasing his potential as a dynamic offensive threat. Chris Scerri, aged 19, secured the final spot on Fremantle's 2026 list just this Thursday. As the Northern Bullants' best first-year player last season, he joined Fremantle in late November after initially being offered a train-on spot with Richmond, opting for a move west to further his AFL career.
Mason Cox, a 34-year-old Collingwood premiership player, brings extensive experience to the Dockers, having signed a two-year deal as an SSP player in November following his delisting from the Magpies. Standing at 211cm, this Texas-born crowd-pleaser played 139 games and kicked 127 goals during his tenure with Collingwood, making him a valuable addition to Fremantle's forward line. Judd McVee, 22, joins as a free agent after playing 65 games for Melbourne over four seasons. Known for his quick and nimble play out of the backline, Dockers fans are eagerly anticipating his potential defensive partnership with All-Australian Jordan Clark, which could bolster the team's defensive strategies.
Match Details and Squad Announcement
The match simulation will be closed to the general public, ensuring a focused environment for both teams to test their strategies and player combinations. Fremantle has announced a strong squad for the derby, including key players such as Jye Amiss, Shai Bolton, Andy Brayshaw, and Heath Chapman, among others. This lineup reflects a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, aiming to build cohesion ahead of the regular season.
As the Dockers prepare to face their cross-town rivals, this pre-season clash offers a crucial opportunity to assess new recruits and fine-tune team dynamics. With exciting debuts on the horizon and strategic adjustments in the absence of Sean Darcy, Fremantle is set to make a statement in this early test against the West Coast Eagles.
