Fremantle Dockers training notes: Alex Pearce, Michael Walters, Shai Bolton, Hayden Young, Sean Darcy and more

Alex Pearce returned to training on Tuesday and there are good signs for another very important Fremantle star out of their midweek session. Here is what we saw at Cockburn. Skipper’s back Skipper Alex Pearce returned to training joining the rehab group after injuring his ankle during match simulation on Saturday. The 29-year-old left the field to have his left ankle strapped but did not return to the scrimmage and was later spotted on the sideline with his foot in a bucket of ice. He was named the club’s captain for a third straight year on Monday and revealed he was building towards playing in Friday’s match simulation. Pearce came out after the main group and jogged a few laps with Shai Bolton — who is also recovering from injury — to warm up before heading to the far side of the oval for some higher-intensity running. More back on track Michael Walters completed running drills and work on a stationary back away from the main group in his build to be fit in time to play for the Indigenous All Stars. He was joined Pearce and new recruit Quinton Narkle for some running drills. Narkle managed foot issues last year while at Port Adelaide and his loads are being managed in his first pre-season with the Dockers. Walters completed running drills before joining soon-to-be All Stars teammate Bolton and Hayden Young for some off-legs conditioning which included boxing and battle ropes. It was revealed on Tuesday Young — who signed a long-term deal with the club last month — has injured his hamstring and will miss the February 15 match at Optus Stadium. Bolton, who is firming to play against the Dockers, was on the bike as he recovers from a calf injury and will have a light week training before completing a test. He won’t play in Friday’s intra-club match. Heath Chapman also completed a light session in preparation for Friday. Defenders Luke Ryan and Brandon Walker were both rocking the pink lids, which means they aren’t up for full-contact physical drills. Walker injured his shoulder in a tackle last week and is being slowly integrated back into training. Good signs Sean Darcy is looking good as he continues to build training loads just days after returning from a trip to Doha, where he worked with globally renowned injury recovery specialist Enda King on his persistent knee issue. The ruckman took part in the majority of the session with the main group, only pulling out when the team started match scrimmage It was a positive sign to see the club champion muscling up and going hard in the ruck drills with Liam Reidy, Aiden Riddle and Patrick Voss. He is not expected to play in the intra-club game on Friday, but the club has not ruled him out of the clash with the All Stars. Newly-appointed leader Josh Treacy was particularly vocal as the Dockers were put through 16-on-16 session.