FREMANTLE is confident Sean Darcy has escaped serious injury after the ruckman copped a heavy knock to his shoulder in Friday's intraclub match.
Darcy, who will lead the Dockers' ruck division in 2020 if fit, collided with teammate Stephen Hill during the session and left the field cradling his shoulder. His arm was in a sling shortly after.
The Dockers said he would not be sent for scans but would be monitored, appearing confident the important big man would not be sidelined with a serious injury.
Darcy, who has played 26 games in three seasons, is set to take the No.1 ruck mantle from Aaron Sandilands this season, allowing Rory Lobb to play extended periods as a marking forward.
FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game
A significant injury to the young Victorian would be a bitter blow for the club in coach Justin Longmuir's first season.
The Dockers are already preparing to launch the season against Essendon on March 21 without their two best key defenders, Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling, who have both suffered serious ankle injuries.
Pearce resumed running last month in his long road back from follow-up surgery to repair his fractured left ankle, while Hamling suffered significant ligament damage to his left ankle in a training incident on Monday.
LIST RATINGS Roos' shock rise, Dogs tipped to shine
Rebounding defender Nathan Wilson is recovering from toe surgery, severely interrupting his pre-season.
The immediate playing future of Jesse Hogan is also clouded after the former Demon took time away from the club to focus on mental health challenges and his general wellbeing.
The Dockers are likely to turn to top-10 draft pick Griffin Logue to hold down a defensive post early in his fourth season, while key tall Brennan Cox could also move back to help cover injuries.
FIRST LOOK Roy's Fantasy team and five simple steps to making yours
Draftee Hayden Young has impressed across half-back in training and could be catapulted straight into a starting back-six position.
Fremantle will ramp up its pre-season program with a second and more extensive intraclub hitout next Friday.
