Seems like we have some security with Erasmus shining. I’d still like to think he and Sturt playing together would be the best scenario.Fremantle Dockers training notes: Rory Lobb departs early, Neil Erasmus provides a spark
Rory goes back to basics
Rory Lobb’s return to Cockburn looks to have hit another snag after the big man limped from training on Monday morning.
After his attempted trade back to Greater Western Sydney over the off-season failed, Lobb returned to training in excellent shape and was one of several strong performers in last week’s time trials.
But what appeared to be a back ailment forced the 28-year-old from the track early.
Lobb spent some time chatting to medical staff before attempting to jog a lap of the oval, stopping after a quarter to walk and eventually returning to the sidelines after the pain failed to subside.
A dismayed Lobb limped back towards the club and gestured to his back but was redirected to a cross-trainer where he continued to train in less distress.
Erasmus excites
The biggest knock on Subiaco product Neil Erasmus heading into the draft was his disposal by foot.
But if two weeks can make a difference, it’s tantalizing to think what the bullish midfielder/forward can start producing in the early stages of his Dockers career.
While it wasn’t exactly a game-like scenario, the 18-year-old hit several bullet-like passes by foot and was also eager to involve himself in every chain of possession.
He provided spark and linked up several times with fellow emerging midfielder Caleb Serong.
Erasmus looks the most likely of Fremantle’s 2021 draft class to debut at this stage and topped off a promising session with a casual 45m drop-punt goal from right on the boundary.
Rehab ward
Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe looks to have stepped up his running program days after declaring himself an almost certain round one starter.
The Dockers are due to face the Crows at Adelaide Oval on March 20 and will likely do so with the two-time Brownlow medallist at their disposal after Fyfe revealed he was recovering as anticipated, if not better, from his most recent shoulder reconstruction.
The 30-year-old started off running the length of Victor George Kailis Oval before progressing to full laps, barely breaking stride.
Understandably, Fyfe continues to take a conservative approach with his right shoulder and stuck to marking one-handed but progress on that front appears imminent.
Luckless Docker Sam Sturt started training with the main group in a strong sign he is working back towards full health, before switching to the rehab group.
Hayden Young also appears to be close to fully recovering from recent small surgical procedure.
Caleb Serong and Luke Valente donned bright orange caps, instructing teammates to tread with caution, but both still trained with the main group.
Matt Taberner, Josh Treacy, Lachie Schultz and Brandon Walker were others to be managed in the final week before Fremantle head on Christmas break.
We have improved offensively, and that is all you can ask for.
Look forward to actually watching Peel this year with the recruits.
