Fremantle High Performance Manager Phil Merriman says four players will be assessed later in the week ahead of the Club’s Retro Round clash with Carlton

Fremantle High Performance Manager Phil Merriman says four players will be assessed later in the week ahead of the Club’s Retro Round clash with Carlton. 

Skipper Alex Pearce (shin) last played in Round 17 against Sydney, while midfielder Nat Fyfe suffered a calf injury during the half-time warm-up in Round 16, with Merriman saying the pair were progressing well. 

“They are going well and as planned,” Merriman said. 

“They did a good session in the rain on Sunday and got through that. 

“They’ll train on Wednesday and, all going to plan and if they pull up well, they’ll be available for selection.” 

Defender turned mid Corey Wagner didn’t feature against West Coast in RAC Derby 61 due to a minor heel injury. 

“He’s just dealing with a bit of heel pain at the moment,” Merriman said. 

“The plan for him is to build into this week and train on Friday. 

“If he gets through that, he will be available for selection.” 

Meanwhile, Merriman confirmed a timeline for midfielder Matthew Johnson following the ankle injury sustained late against Collingwood in Round 19. 

“He’s building nicely. He’s managed to get the swelling down really well and the pain is under control,” Merriman said. 

“The plan will be to get him on the AlterG – hopefully at the end of this week – and have him available in a few weeks’ time.” 

Defender James Aish spent a weekend on the sidelines with Merriman saying the 29-year-old had suffered a back injury. 

“He’s got a sore back which progressed last week,” Merriman said. 

“We took the conservative approach of not playing him over the weekend, but the plan will be for him to train and play this week.” 

Forward Sam Sturt has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, having battled an ongoing knee issue for a large portion of the year. 

“It’s been a frustrating one for Sam this year,” Merriman said. 

“He’s just been struggling to deal with the soreness post-games, so we’ve gone and seen some specialists. 

“He will be going in for surgery, which will rule him out for the rest of the season.” 

RND21 Injury List 

James Aish (back) – Test 
Nat Fyfe (calf) – Test 
Alex Pearce (shin) – Test 
Corey Wagner (heel) – Test 
Matthew Johnson (ankle) – 3 weeks 
Sam Sturt (knee) – season 
Aiden Riddle (foot) – season 
Odin Jones (back) – season