THE IMMEDIATE playing future of Fremantle midfielder Josh Simpson is unclear after he withdrew at late notice from the club's party scheduled to fly to Sydney for Saturday's clash with the Swans.
General manager of football operations Chris Bond told Perth radio station 6PR on Friday that Simpson was scheduled to join the team on the trip but "was unable to make the flight and advised us very late".
"From there we're going to just have to work through that with Josh and we'll continue to offer our support and assist as best we can," Bond said.
"There's certainly some upside of Josh as a player. But unfortunately Josh has really been unable to adapt to what's required to be an AFL player, the commitments that are required and ... we just thought the best thing for him at this stage was to step away from playing with Peel as well."
Bond's radio interview differed from the club's position when contacted by AFL.com.au earlier on Friday afternoon, following reports that Simpson had missed the flight to Sydney.
News Corp papers had reported the 20-year-old midfielder's name had been called at Perth Airport to no avail, before the Dockers boarded the plane to Sydney.
But when contacted by AFL.com.au, the club said the report that Simpson had missed the flight was incorrect.
Instead, the Dockers provided a statement from Bond saying Simpson had not been considered for selection at any level this weekend, despite collecting 13 disposals as the substitute in Fremantle's 53-point round three win over Essendon.
"Josh failed to meet certain club requirements during the week, and as a result was not available at selection at either level of football this weekend," Bond's statement said.
Bond subsequently gave the interview to 6PR in which he said Simpson had been scheduled to accompany the Dockers' playing squad on their flight to Sydney, before withdrawing at late notice.
Simpson battled homesickness last year, but made his debut in round 23 when the Dockers fielded a weakened team against St Kilda on the eve of finals.
Last weekend's win over Essendon was just Simpson's second career game.
