Former Premiership Eagle Peter Sumich supports calls to playing young ruck Liam Reidy while Sean Darcy is sidelined to further his development.

Fremantle expects Darcy to miss the first few rounds of the 2025 season – including Freo’s opener against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium this Saturday. 

The ruckman’s after undergoing surgery to clear an ankle infection during the preseason and is estimated to timeline return between Rounds 3 to 5. 

With Darcy sidelined, Reidy has rucked in Darcy’s place and is the frontrunner to replace him in the side for the opening few rounds. 

Reidy featured in the side that played Melbourne during the preseason hitout at Rushton Park, notching up 17 hitouts in a tough battle against star ruck Max Gawn. 

Speaking ahead Round 1, Sumich believes the Dockers have to play Reidy in the ruck to continue his development and allow fellow ruck Luke Jackson to keep his preseason groove. 

“They’ve got to go and start him in the ruck, especially against the Cats. I think Jackson looked very good up forward as well,” he told SportFM.

“Even if Reidy does only 50% of the ruck and then sits on the bench, that’s going to help (Luke) Jackson, especially a little bit forward, he’ll be able to maybe pinch a goal or two.

“I just think that they’ve got to play him and keep developing him. Don’t deter away from that because you’re going to then put pressure on Jackson. 

“I think he’s in the mood where he’s going to play forward a bit and ruck and you’ve got to keep that going. Don’t disturb his momentum at this stage. Reidy, I’d play for sure.” 

Fremantle has yet to decide whether Darcy will spend time playing for Peel Thunder in the WAFL to regain match fitness before coming back into the AFL side. 

Since his surgery, Darcy has returned to the main training group, with the club hopeful he’ll be ready for selection by Round 3. 

Over the past few seasons, the 26-year-old has had a horror run of luck with injuries, including a knee injury which prematurely ended his 2024 season. 

Since then, Darcy has spent time in Qatar over the off-season rehabilitating and strengthening his troublesome left knee to prevent any further issues. 

Sumich believes the best route back into the AFL is for Darcy to have a block in the WAFL to build match fitness before launching back into AFL footy.

“He needs a block at Peel of a good four games, but it depends on how Fremantle are going,” he said. 

“If they’re up and about, and they’re four wins and two losses after six games, we don’t really need to bring him in. You can let him develop his game a bit more and fitness back at Peel. 

That’s all going to be reliant on how Fremantle are going as well. I still think he’ll be back between that, they’re saying there around that round five. I still think it might be a week or two. 

“It depends if he doesn’t have any hiccups either and he’s renowned for having a few hiccups along the way. He’s got a lot to prove for Fremantle fans. He owes them a lot. It’s a long contract. 

“He hasn’t produced in the last couple of years and its now time because Fremantle are beating their chest that they’re going to win the premiership this year. So I think Darcy should be up and about if Fremantle are any chance.” 

Fremantle will be searching for a win to start their campaign on a positive note, facing a formidable Geelong side down at the Cattery. 

While Geelong are the heavy favourites due to their strength at home, Sumich anticipates a more even match up. 

“That just elevates their season into a top six for sure. Maybe top four, that’s how I see it,” he said. 

“Big game. The odds, I think the Cats are around $1.55 and Fremantle’s $2.20 or something like that. I think it’s a 50-50 game. I really do. 

“I think Fremantle are right in this game. I think it’s a 50-50 now and they can win down there. If they bring their A game, they’re up and about.

 “It’s gonna be a really good game, actually. I’m really looking forward to the actual contest.”

IMAGE: Fremantle Dockers