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Fremantle Dockers forward Sam Switkowski sidelined after having surgery on broken finger

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Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
Sam Switkowski of the Dockers is tackled by Zac Williams of the Blues.
Camera IconSam Switkowski of the Dockers is tackled by Zac Williams of the Blues. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Fremantle will be forced into yet another change this weekend with forward Sam Switkowski set for an extended period on the sidelines after having surgery on a broken finger in his right hand.

Switkowski suffered the injury during Fremantle’s clash with Carlton on Sunday at Optus Stadium and has since gone under the knife.

Executive general manager of football Peter Bell said Switkowski would wear a splint on his finger for at least six weeks.

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“Unfortunately Sam sustained a really badly broken finger during the game against Carlton,” Bell said.

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“That injury has necessitated surgery. Sam’s had a plate and also some wire put into that finger.

“He’ll be in a splint for at least six weeks, so clearly he will be looking at missing a considerable period of time.”

Fellow small forward Lachie Schultz has already been ruled out of Sunday’s clash due to the AFL’s 12-day mandatory concussion protocol.

Sam Switkowski is the latest Docker to be sidelined.
Camera IconSam Switkowski is the latest Docker to be sidelined. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir flagged Bailey Banfield would likely earn a reprieve after recovering from an ankle injury but his preference was to name two rucks in Lloyd Meek and Sean Darcy as opposed to naming Sam Sturt or Josh Treacy.

“We’re a bit light on for talls at the moment so we’re probably keep going with two rucks and like I said, Hawthorn have two rucks so we need that consistent contest in the ruck and forward so we’ll keep backing that in,” Longmuir said.

“We have a bit to work through at the moment with our forward line with the balance of it.

“We’d like to play Josh or give him some opportunity but the second ruck becomes an issue when you play with one ruck and those forwards.

“He (Sturt) did everything we asked, but he’s been out of footy for a long time and rushing a younger experienced player back, is that the right thing for him?”

“We’ll have that conversation later. You don’t want him coming into the side and not being right and having to go in and out.”

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