Fremantle Dockers captain Alex Pearce spotted with ice on ankle at pre-season training

Fremantle Dockers Captain Alex Pearce Spotted with Ice on Ankle at Pre-Season Training

The Fremantle Dockers’ pre-season training session was meant to be a time of optimism and preparation for the upcoming AFL season. But all eyes were on one player who had never been expected to be a part of the sideline drama—captain Alex Pearce.

It was a brisk Tuesday morning at Cockburn, where the Dockers were going through their final drills before the break. The air was full of energy as new recruits blended with the veterans, showing off their fitness and skills. However, as Pearce jogged onto the field, a noticeable limp caught the attention of the players and coaches alike.

The towering 28-year-old defender, known for his tenacity and resilience on the field, was carefully easing his way through the session with an ice pack wrapped firmly around his left ankle. Pearce, who had been instrumental in Fremantle’s backline in the previous seasons, wasn’t one to shy away from taking charge. But the sight of him gingerly stepping through drills and frequently pausing to adjust the ice on his ankle raised a few eyebrows.

When the session ended, Pearce stayed behind as the rest of the squad filed off the field. The club’s physiotherapists immediately approached him, and after a brief assessment, he was seen walking off the field with a slightly pained expression. No one seemed too alarmed, but the question on every fan’s mind was whether this injury could put his leadership role in jeopardy.

“I’m not worried at this stage,” Pearce told the media later that day. “It’s just a precaution. I’ve had some tightness in the ankle for a few days, so we’re being cautious. It’s nothing serious, just a part of the process, and I’ll be back to full fitness in no time.”

Dockers head coach Justin Longmuir was quick to downplay any concerns, insisting the club wasn’t taking any chances with its star defender. “Alex has been a fantastic leader for us, and we’re taking all the right steps to ensure he’s in peak condition for the season ahead. He’s been through this before, and he knows his body well.”

Fans were quick to express their support on social media, sending messages of encouragement and wishing Pearce a speedy recovery. A few even joked that the captain’s “ice treatment” was just a new way to prepare for the heat of the upcoming season.

As for Pearce, despite the minor setback, his determination remained unwavering. After years of battling injury and returning stronger each time, the captain wasn’t about to let a little ice and rest keep him from his ultimate goal—leading the Fremantle Dockers to the top.

Only time would tell how serious the injury was, but if there was one thing Pearce had proved over the years, it was his resilience. Fans could only wait, hoping their captain would be ready to steer the team when the season kicked off.

And as always, whether on crutches or in the thick of the action, Alex Pearce would lead with the same relentless spirit that had made him a favorite among Dockers supporters.