Bradley Hill looks to handball to brother and teammate Stephen during pre-season training.
Camera IconBradley Hill looks to handball to brother and teammate Stephen during pre-season training. Credit: Supplied/Paul Kane/Getty Images

AFL: Dockers sweat on availability of Bradley Hill for round 1

Bryce LuffMelville Gazette

THE Fremantle Dockers have been dealt a blow in the lead up to the 2018 season with the availability of speedster Bradley Hill for round 1 under a cloud because of injury.

The Dockers confirmed the 2017 Doig Medallist had suffered a quad strain during training last Wednesday.

The grade one strain meant Hill could not complete the session.

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“Bradley’s availability for selection in round 1 will be determined by his progress while rehabilitating the injury,” football operations manager Chris Bond said.

Hill’s brother Stephen is also doubtful because of a calf injury.

Meanwhile the Dockers were dominant in their final hit out of the pre-season, recording a 62-point victory against West Coast at HBF Stadium on Sunday.

Midfielder Lachie Neale starred with 36 disposals and three goals in the 14.17 (101) to 5.9 (39) win.

Darcy Tucker was busy with 26 disposals while skipper Nat Fyfe kicked one goal from 26 touches.

Hayden Ballantyne kicked three goals.

Michael Walters kicked two goals and Matt Taberner pushed his claim for a round 1 berth with two goals, 23 disposals and 12 marks.

Liam Duggan led the Eagles for disposals with 24.

The Dockers start their season against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on March 24.

West Coast hosts Sydney at Perth Stadium on March 25.

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