Dockers duo hit with leg injuries

Dockers duo Sam Switkowski and Luke Ryan have been hit with minor leg injuries, with the crucial pair kept to just minor duties at Cockburn.

Switkowski and Ryan, both 27, had been taking part in Fremantle's pre-season program, however, as captured by 10 News cameras, the forward and the defender were forced off the track with respective hamstring and ankle injuries.

Sam Switkowski joined the @freodockers rehab group today after a minor pre-season hammy injury. Luke Ryan also on light duties with an ankle injury. #10news @10NewsFirstPER pic.twitter.com/lEpWkKvujv

— Ashleigh Nelson (@ashnelson08) January 19, 2024

Both niggles are said to be considered minor, with neither Switkowski or Ryan, a one-time All-Australian, expected to miss any of the upcoming 2024 season.

The pair's individual skillsets are sure to be called on more than before this season, with Switkowski tipped to play a bigger role forward of the ball following the departure of Lachie Schultz to Collingwood.

The shift of interceptor Hayden Young from defence into the centre will doubtlessly see Ryan be asked to share some of the load in Justin Longmuir's rearguard unit.

The pair of former VFL footballers have combined to play exactly 200 senior games in purple and white, with Switkowski making his way across the Nullarbor from Box Hill and Ryan blazing his trail from Coburg.

Switkowski, Ryan and the Dockers will commence their 2024 season when they play host to Brisbane at Optus Stadium on Sunday, March 17.