Glen Quartermain: Liam Reidy takes big step toward No. 1 ruck berth for Fremantle Dockers season opener

Liam Reidy could not have done much more to put his hand up for a round one start as Fremantle’s No. 1 ruckman if Sean Darcy does not recover in time from injury. Apart from his solid work around the ground against a lesser developed Aiden Riddle, he kicked two goals, one from a holding-the-ball free kick. But the form of other players might force the Dockers’ hand anyway. Luke Jackson’s use as an extra midfielder, occasional ruck and part of a three-pronged forward line with Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy will provide coach Justin Longmuir with plenty of food for thought. Treacy was a standout in the contest in match simulation, most of it pitted against Alex Pearce, and the ruck combination with Jackson in Darcy’s absence last season was underwhelming. The Dockers would be better off leaving Treacy to do what he does best, working his way up the ground and doubling back to be a menace for defenders. Start Jackson forward and use him to pinch-hit in the ruck, giving Reidy - and when he is fit, Darcy - the prime role. The 204cm Reidy, who debuted in round 23 last season when he amassed 32 hitouts in a road trip to GWS, will be up against either Geelong veteran Rhys Stanley or youngster Toby Conway in round one at GMHBA Stadium. He doesn’t need to dominate, just neutralise the ruck contest, ensuring the Cats’ midfield don’t get clean hitouts to advantage. Treacy kicked 45 goals from 20 games in a breakout 2024 season. Jackson has kicked 22 and 21 in each of the past two seasons. Amiss 36 and 41. The Dockers don’t need to produce a Coleman Medal to finish in the top four spot their squad suggests they are capable of. They simply need the three talls to provide options. It could be the deadliest attacking triumvirate in the competition – and the key is having a reliable No. 1 ruck.