Fremantle Dockers training notes: Hayden Young makes promising return as club gears up for All Stars clash

Michael Walters and Shai Bolton were keen to show off ahead of the Indigenous All Stars clash as Hayden Young made an impressive return from a hamstring injury. Here’s what esle we saw at Cockburn... YOUNG FULL OF RUN Hayden Young looks to be making a welcome recovery from a harrowing off-season in which he narrowly avoided a leg fracture before pinging a hamstring. Young is yet to rejoin the main group but it the confidence is returning to the stride of the No. 26 as was evident during Wednesday’s session at Cockburn as he did solo surge work on an outer wing. He has been ruled out of Saturday’s pre-season opener against an Indigenous All Stars side at Optus Stadium, but looks close to a full return. Young had his most consistent season in 2024 with third-place in the Doig Medal after a shift to the midfield. Dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe also appears on track, untroubled when he joined Young on the wing for some short, sharp sprint work. BACK TO THE FUTURE Defenders Brennan Cox and Heath Chapman are expected to play for Fremantle against the Indigenous All Stars after they were rested from last Friday’s full match simulation. The pair are key planks in the Dockers’ back half, with Cox also capable of shifting forward and Chapman considered a wing prospect. After two hours of running and skills sharpening, the Dockers had a quarter of match simulation with Chapman pitted against Bolton - and he was tested with every twist and turn by the Tigers’ recruit. The Dockers trained in their first ever indigenous jumper from 2013 which they will wear against the All Stars on Saturday. The jumper was designed by Fremantle great Roger Hayden, who will form part of the All Stars coaching panel, and his uncle Dr Richard Walley. Hayden also played for the Indigenous All Stars in 2007. Josh Treacy’s hands were again vice-like in match simulation while small forward Jack Delean was prominent, as he has been throughout the pre-season. The Dockers will have a captain’s run on Friday, their last hitout before the All Stars game. JOINED AT THE HIP Gun recruit Shai Bolton and Dockers veteran Michael Walters passed an examination for the All Stars game with sparkling performances at Cockburn. Bolton, who joined the Dockers in the off season from Richmond, has been in doubt with a calf strain, while All Stars captain Walters is recovering from minor knee surgery. The pair have already developed a strong bond and during a short break in training on Wednesday, had a game of kicking target practice involving giant tyres. Botlon hit the bullseye but Walters’ reaction suggested there will be a rematch. ABSENT WITH NOTICE Captain Alex Pearce has been ruled out of the All Stars squad with ankle soreness and spent the majority of Wednesday’s session on an excercise bike on the sidelines, alongside 2024 draftee Charlie Nicholls. Quinton Narkle is still being managed after a foot issue and will be missing on Saturday, along with Young, Fyfe and Sean Darcy (knee and ankle surgery).