Fremantle forward Sam Sturt will undergo knee reconstruction surgery on his unstable anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which will rule him out for the 2025 season.
Sturt hasn't featured at AFL level this year and has played only two games for the club's reserves outfit, Peel Thunder, in the WAFL.
The 25-year-old had previously struggled to cement his spot in Justin Longmuir's team, but will now spend the foreseeable future on the sidelines as he eyes a return in 2026.
"Sam went in for an arthroscope to address some ongoing issues with his knee," said Fremantle's Executive General Manager of Football, Joe Brierty.
"While undertaking that procedure, it became clear that his ACL had significantly deteriorated and would require surgical intervention.
"Following consultation with a number of specialists, Sam and the club agreed that a reconstruction was the best option for his long-term knee health and football future.
"We'll wrap our arms around Sam and our performance health team will work closely to support him through surgery and help his return to football as early as practicable in the 2026 season."
Sturt has played 31 games for the Dockers since being selected with Pick 17 in the 2018 National Draft. He played 13 and 14 matches, respectively, in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Fremantle are on the cusp of claiming a top-four spot after a stirring six-point win over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Longmuir's Dockers have won 11 of the past 12 matches to sit fourth on the ladder, but nipping at the heels of Adelaide, Geelong and Collingwood above them.
Their final fortnight will see them face Brisbane at Optus Stadium before a trip to Melbourne to take on the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
