Dockers captain to avoid surgery after grand final injury

Fremantle Dockers captain Alex Pearce is set to avoid surgery after suffering a partial tear of his Achilles tendon during Saturday's AFL grand final defeat to Brisbane. The 31-year-old will return to pre-season training following scans that confirmed the injury. There had been concerns that a complete tear could have ended his career.

Fremantle Dockers football manager Joe Brierty expressed optimism about Pearce's prognosis, stating that he would not require surgery due to the partial tear confirmed by the scans. Pearce was injured in the third-quarter of the match while chasing the ball, resulting in a seven-point loss for the Dockers. Despite the heartbreaking season that ended with the club failing to secure its first premiership, the Dockers have decided not to hold any public events to thank fans for their support.

Manager Joe Brierty defended this decision, emphasizing that the team's focus is on preparing for a strong pre-season and ensuring a successful off-season.