Unfortunate Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy set for ankle surgery just days after returning from overseas trip

Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy has encountered yet another hurdle just before the 2025 season kicks off.

The Dockers have announced that the 26-year-old will require minor surgery to eliminate an infection tied to a lingering ankle issue.

According to the club, this procedure will keep Darcy off the field for the “early rounds of the season.”

The operation involves removing a screw from Darcy’s right ankle, which is connected to earlier surgery conducted in July 2023.

Joe Brierty, the Dockers’ general manager of football, elaborated on the unfortunate situation facing the experienced ruckman, who managed only 12 games last season.

“Sean visited a specialist yesterday (Wednesday) about the infection, and it was decided that removing the screw is the best course of action to prevent any long-term issues with infection,” Brierty shared on TABradio.

“Post-surgery, Darcy will have a few weeks of recovery before he can start training again.”

This is a disappointing blow for Darcy, who had been sidelined for a significant part of 2024 and only managed to play 15 matches the previous year.

Moreover, the 26-year-old had recently returned from Qatar, where he was undergoing rehabilitation for a knee injury that required off-season surgery.

“Sean has been training hard throughout pre-season, and thankfully he can continue with his knee rehabilitation during this time as he prepares to return to full training,” Brierty elaborated.

“He arrived back from visiting the Aspetar Sports Medical Clinic in Doha last week, where he worked on his recovery from minor knee surgery at the end of the 2024 season.”

Despite this latest issue, the Dockers are optimistic that this ankle procedure will not have long-term repercussions for him this year.

“It was impressive to see how he approached his time in Doha with the specialists, and he’s brought back some vital exercises to support his function and movement,” Brierty remarked.

“He’s genuinely excited about the potential for improving his knee strength in the future.”

The club has clarified that the ankle surgery is unrelated to his knee issues.

Fremantle remains hopeful that Darcy will miss only a brief segment of the home-and-away season.

“If everything goes to plan, we expect a minimal adjustment to his timeline for returning to play, aiming for him to be back on the field in the early rounds of the season,” Brierty concluded.