Fremantle defender Luke Ryan firming for Sydney Swans return, Michael Frederick undergoes ankle surgery

Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
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Camera IconCould Luke Ryan return against the Swans? Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Fremantle defender Luke Ryan is firming to make his return from a calf injury for Fremantle’s clash against Sydney on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.

But the news isn’t as positive for forward Michael Frederick, who undergone surgery on his ankle.

The youngster will now miss three months after suffering a syndesmosis injury in the loss against Brisbane.

Ryan will need to get through main training on Wednesday to put himself forward for selection after missing the past three weeks with a calf strain.

“Luke had the calf strain leading into the RAC Derby against West Coast,” General manager of football and performance Joe Brierty said.

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“He’s been progressing really well, ticking off all of the boxes in reconditioning.

“He did a significant load over the weekend and we plan for him to main train this week and then make himself available for selection against the Swans.”

Frederick, however, might not return to action until the last month of the AFL season after sustaining a serious ankle injury against Brisbane.

Camera IconMichael Frederick has undergone ankle surgery. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Fellow syndesmosis victim Bailey Banfield avoided surgery and is four weeks away from a return to play.

“Unfortunately, Michael suffered a syndesmosis injury the weekend prior against Brisbane,” Brierty said.

“We sought surgical advice and he had a tightrope surgery late last week. That will put him out for around 10 to 12 weeks.

“Bailey had a syndesmosis injury a couple of weeks ago. We’re seeking some advice through a few different surgeons and decided not to go down the surgical path.

“He’s progressed really well since. We anticipate him doing some Alter-G sessions in the next couple of weeks and, hopefully, will be available for selection in around four weeks’ time.”

Defender Alex Pearce is likely to make his football return on Saturday for Peel Thunder when they take on West Perth at David Grays Arena.

Camera IconAlex Pearce is firming for an AFL return. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

Pearce has not played since round one after suffering a knee injury against Melbourne.

“Alex continues to progress really well. He had some really strong training sessions while he was over in Queensland with the team,” Brierty said.

“He returned to Perth and had a good session over the weekend."

Stephen Hill (4-6 weeks), Joel Hamling (3 weeks), Hayden Young (4-6 weeks) and Ethan Hughes (TBC) are all edging closer to a return to play.

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