28-year-old Dockers defender Brennan Cox will miss his side's qualifying final against the Hawks after scans revealed a moderate calf strain, in his left leg.
The South Australian sustained the injury in his side's final home and away outing of the season - their biggest loss of the campaign, at a rejuvenated Carlton's hand.
A crucial cog in the minor premier's vaunted defence, Cox will cross his fingers that his side can dispatch of the Hawks, earning themselves another week off, that he may maximise his recovery window.
“It's an unfortunate result for Brennan after an interrupted season and he'll now miss our Qualifying Final,” Dockers football boss Joe Brierty said, in announcing the severity of the injury on Monday morning.
“We will assess all of the interventions possible to support Brennan's recovery and look for him to be available post our first final.”
Brennan Cox will be sidelined for our Qualifying Final against Hawthorn after scans confirmed a moderate calf strain 😢
the full update → https://t.co/2r2kpVg9Lu#foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/4A8qURr5c2
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) August 24, 2026
Heath Chapman, who was managed out of the trip to Melbourne for the Carlton clash, looms as the 152-gamer's likely replacement, as a potent Hawthorn forward line awaits.
Joshua Draper shapes as an outside chance to be named, despite failing to play a senior game this season, after 31 outings across the last two campaigns.
