Inspirational Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce is out of the 2026 AFL Grand Final, after being helped from the ground in the third term of the showpiece contest.

Attempting to race Logan Morris to a loose ball, Pearce lost his footing and was slow to return to his feet, before being helped from the ground in the hands of trainers.

Shortly after, Pearce had his lower right leg iced, in sure fire signs that he would not be returning to the field of play.

Pearce has been an inspirational leader for his side this season, repeatedly performing team-first acts to inspire the club to victory.

Pearce, the only member of the Dockers' 2015 minor premiership list still there 11 years later, was calm and composed at the time of injury, that his side's momentum would not be stymied by his absence.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Alex Pearce of the Dockers reactsduring the AFL Grand Final match between Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 26, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Alex Pearce of the Dockers reactsduring the AFL Grand Final match between Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 26, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

It remains to be seen if it is a calf or Achilles injury that has cruelly robbed the skipper of his availability for the rest of the grand final.

His side are chasing the first flag in their history, and Pearce will most certainly lift the cup, ice on the calf or not, should his side go on with it.

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