ALEX Pearce has backed Bradley Hill to learn from his mistake after a brush with police cost the speedy Fremantle wingman his spot in the Dockers' leadership group and saw him suspended for one AFL match.
Hill was also fined $5000 – with an additional $5000 suspended – and ordered to undergo alcohol education after allegedly breaching a move-on notice and giving a false name to police after being refused entry to a Scarborough nightspot.
The 24-year-old failed to notify the club of the incident and was out of line with Freo's alcohol policy for injured players, leading the Dockers to impose strong sanctions.
HAVE YOUR SAY Re-rate your team's trade period
"It was difficult because I know Brad and I know what a good person he is and how much he really cares and how much he loved being in the leadership group," said Pearce, who was elevated into the group alongside Hill in March.
"It was tough seeing him go through what he's been through.
"I know Brad will learn from that. He's had some things in the past, but he's someone who is really committed to the club and the group.
"He's a really strong driver of the group and he's very popular, so he knows what an impact something like that can have on the rest of the group.
"I'm sure he'll be back and be a great leader at this club going forward."
Pearce, who has been a revelation coming back from nearly two years out of the game due to complications with a broken leg, could be the only Docker disappointed Lance Franklin won't be running out for Sydney this Saturday night.
The Swans superstar is still battling a bruised heel, robbing Pearce of the chance to challenge himself against the game's No.1 forward.
"From the team perspective it's great news we don’t have to worry about him, but from a bit of a selfish point-of-view I would love to play on Buddy," he said.
The SCG clash will be intriguing, given the Swans have lost three of their four home games this season and the Dockers are winless from three interstate trips.
Freo has an average losing margin of 53 points on the road, albeit against strong sides in Port Adelaide, GWS and Richmond.
"It's something we've spoken about and it's something we're not happy with," Pearce said.
"It's not an easy fix and we are committed to playing some good footy interstate.
"We've played some tough teams interstate so far, but we know our goal of being a great AFL team means we have to win on the road and we have to get it done.
"We're really committed to going over and making Sydney a business trip."
At 4-4, the Dockers are still in the finals hunt and Pearce has no plans to take a rest, declaring his twice-broken leg a "non-issue" due to careful management.
Meanwhile, Freo is hopeful prime movers Stephen Hill (quad) and Nathan Wilson (back) plus gun forward Michael Walters (knee) will be available for the Swans trip.
Pearce, who grew up playing football as a "five or six-year-old" in Tasmania, was speaking at a NAB AFL Auskick promotion at Optus Stadium announcing that WA youngsters who sign up before May 27 will receive two free tickets to selected matches at the venue this season.
Road to the Draft podcast
Injured top draft pick Max King joins Cal Twomey and Mitch Cleary to discuss his season-ending knee surgery. Also, who are the best Tasmanian draft hopefuls? And who could Essendon get with its first pick?
