Fremantle Docker Michael Frederick sets sights on western derby ahead of crucial training session on Saturday

Fremantle star Michael Frederick will attempt to prove his fitness for next week’s western derby during a challenging private training session in Perth on Saturday. A serious ankle injury on the eve of the AFL season has prevented Frederick from playing any football throughout 2026. But he re-joined training with his teammates during the week and is now hopeful of being declared fit to play against West Coast. Frederick travelled to South Australia with his teammates for Gather Round and stepped onto the stage at a pre-game function for Dockers fans where he revealed he is extremely close to playing again. “At the moment it is planned for next week. I have got a big session on Saturday morning when we get back. If I get through that and train throughout the week next week, then we will see how we go,” he said. “I’ll be fit and available. I’ve just got to get through.” The Dockers could also get star midfielder Hayden Young back for the derby after he injured his hamstring against Geelong in round one. Pressure for positions in the team is fierce and the Dockers have selected an unchanged line-up for the last two weeks on the back of three victories in a row. Frederick’s injury opened the door for small forward Isaiah Dudley to break back into the team after he wasn’t selected during the pre-season. Frederick said he’s enjoyed watching the South Australian work hard to earn his spot in the forward line and then show how damaging he can be. “Seeing Duds come along and seeing first hand how much work he has put into the pre-season, he’s getting his body right, getting fit and being able to run up and down and do all the defensive work. It’s good to see,” Frederick said.