WAFL 2026: South Fremantle star Matthew Parker sidelined again with another hamstring injury

South Fremantle are hopeful star Matt Parker will be available for the grand final rematch against East Perth next month after another hamstring injury.

Parker, 30, was a late withdrawal from the come-from-behind 7.10 (52) to 5.11 (41) win against Swan Districts at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday after he pulled up sore on Friday morning from training the night before.

It continues a horror season for last year’s Sandover Medal runner-up, with injury and suspension restricting him to only five games this season.

Fortunately for the Bulldogs, they have the bye next week, but Parker is set to miss the clash against West Coast the following weekend, with the hope being he will take on the Royals on Saturday, August 8.

The reigning premiers are still around the mark for consecutive flags after keeping their top three hopes alive with their win against the Swans – their third in succession.

They had to do it the hard way though, kicking four goals to none in the last term to overrun Swan Districts – putting an end to their slim September ambitions.

In better news, South Fremantle are set to regain a host of first-choice players for their clash against the Eagles at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday, August 2.

Speedster Jamaine Jones has missed the past two games because of personal reasons but should be available to take on his former side in the Eagles, while spearhead Trey Ruscoe and key defender Noah Strom are due back from overseas holidays.