Shai Bolton Sidelined as Fremantle Gears Up for Round 1
Fremantle Dockers fans will have to wait a little longer to see star recruit Shai Bolton in action, as the dynamic forward has been ruled out of the club’s season opener due to a stress-related injury in his lower leg. While the news may come as a disappointment, senior coach Justin Longmuir has reassured fans that the injury is on the minor end of the scale, and Bolton is expected to be back sooner rather than later.
“Like we’ve always said, we won’t take any risks with him,” Longmuir said in his press conference. “It’s a low-end stress response in his leg, so it probably sounds worse than it actually is. If he doesn’t get up this week, we’re pretty confident he’ll be alright next week.”
Despite Bolton’s absence, Fremantle will see the return of captain Alex Pearce, who is set to play his first official AFL game since Round 19 of last season. Pearce has worked his way back from a fractured arm and an ankle injury sustained in the pre-season. His return bolsters the Dockers' defensive unit, joining Josh Draper, who is also back in the lineup after overcoming a hamstring strain.
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Adding to the excitement, 18-year-old midfielder Murphy Reid will make his AFL debut against Geelong. The club’s first selection in the 2024 National Draft, Reid has impressed with his maturity and skill set throughout pre-season. Longmuir expressed his confidence in the young gun, acknowledging his growth and dedication leading up to this moment.
“You’ve grown all pre-season, mate,” Longmuir told Reid when announcing his debut. “Your strengths have really come to the fore, and you’ve gone to school on the areas you need to improve. You’ve earned this opportunity, and we’re all excited to see what you can do.”
Nathan O’Driscoll will also be making a return after a challenging 2024 season plagued by injury. His strong pre-season form, which included two goals, 17 disposals, and eight marks, has earned him a spot on the wing. He will line up alongside Liam Reidy, Jeremy Sharp, Jaeger O’Meara, Caleb Serong, and Andy Brayshaw in Fremantle’s midfield.
While Bolton and veteran Michael Walters (recovering from a knee injury) will miss Round 1, the Dockers remain confident in their squad depth as they take on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. With a mix of experienced players and fresh faces, Fremantle is ready to kick off their 2025 campaign with intensity.
Bounce down is set for 1:20 PM AEDT, with live coverage on Fox Footy and Kayo. Fans in Perth can catch the game at Pirate Life’s ‘Anchor Venues’ for an enhanced away-game experience.
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