| Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir confirmed that ruckman Mason Cox will retain his spot for Saturday’s match against Port Adelaide, marking his 150th AFL game. Meanwhile, star midfielder Shai Bolton will be managed for one week, with Hayden Young returning to the side to fill the vacancy in the Dockers’ lineup. |
Mason Cox Retains Ruck Spot for 150th Milestone
Mason Cox is set to reach the 150-game milestone this Saturday in South Australia, a selection decision finalized by the club this week. Cox, a former Collingwood player, earned his place after supporting Luke Jackson in the ruck during the round 18 clash against Sydney. During that match, Cox performed with authority in the air, taking several important marks and kicking a crucial late goal.
Despite the availability of Sean Darcy, who was managed during the previous round to protect a troublesome knee, coach Justin Longmuir confirmed that Cox’s recent performance against the Sydney Swans warranted his continued selection. Longmuir addressed the selection process during a Thursday morning media conference.
“We’ve spoken to Sean, he’s disappointed. When we managed him last week we told him there was no guarantees and Mason’s obviously come out and played really well. There’s just not too much in it at the moment, so Mason’s going to hold his spot. Sean’s form is not quite where we need it to be, and Mason rucked really well but also got his marking going around the ground. So he did enough to hold his spot.” — Justin Longmuir, Fremantle senior coach
The club is currently working with the 28-year-old Darcy to improve his mobility, footwork, and ruck craft. Darcy has been restricted to seven games this season after suffering a concussion in Gather Round and a calf strain during his recovery. He returned for matches against Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney before being managed during a condensed period of the club’s fixture. Longmuir emphasized that the club is focused on Darcy’s athletic profile rather than a return to the WAFL, stating, “I know he’ll do that and his ruck craft is way too good for that level.”
Shai Bolton Managed as Hayden Young Returns
The Dockers will be without Shai Bolton for the Port Adelaide clash as the club opts to manage a minor issue. Bolton had been playing with hand strapping during the recent match against Sydney. Longmuir noted that while Bolton could have pushed through, the club opted for a short break to benefit his long-term health.
His place in the rotation will be taken by Hayden Young, who returns to the senior side after missing time with a minor groin issue. Young had sat out most of the second half in the Round 17 loss to GWS. “He’s (Young) going to play for Bolts,” Longmuir said. Bolts is going to be managed this week. He’s dealing with an injury that could benefit from a week off… it’s not serious, so he’s probably a one-weeker.
Fremantle’s Roster Management and Team Chemistry
Fremantle has maintained a stable playing group, utilizing only 30 players this season, the fewest in the AFL. Longmuir highlighted the benefits of this continuity for team chemistry, noting that the forward line’s chemistry has grown “out of sight” in 2026, evidenced by a 100-point second half against the Swans. While the ladder-leading Dockers have trailed at half-time in three of their last four games, the coaching staff remains unconcerned by the scoreboard, insisting the team is “playing the right sort of footy.”
Fremantle’s full team line-up will be announced at fremantlefc.com.au at 4.20pm WST today.
Find more reporting in our Sports section.
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