Docker McPharlin ruled out against Swans

Fremantle have made two late changes to their side for Saturday's qualifying final against Sydney in Perth.

Luke McPharlin of the Fremantle Dockers.

Fremantle star Luke McPharlin has been ruled out of their Sydney clash with calf soreness. (AAP)

Fremantle have suffered a huge blow heading into Saturday's qualifying final against Sydney, with star defender Luke McPharlin ruled out with calf soreness.

And with a thunderstorm forecast, the Dockers have also withdrawn 198cm forward Matt Taberner in what is believed to be a tactical move.

Clancee Pearce and Tendai Mzungu have been drafted into the team to replace the pair.

The loss of McPharlin will leave a big hole in Fremantle's defence.

But given Sydney are missing star forward Lance Franklin, his absence will be easier to cover for the rest of Fremantle's defence.

The Swans have gone into the game as named.

McPharlin missed several games this season because of calf soreness and six games last year due to a calf tear.

Given his history, the Dockers are taking an extremely cautious approach with the 33-year-old.

Zak Jones has been named Sydney's sub, while Clancee Pearce will wear the green vest for Fremantle.


Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world