Ethan Hughes struggles in Freo return as Dockers outclassed by rampant Cats

Ethan Hughes made a return to the Fremantle Dockers team on Thursday night, but the defender struggled as his side was outclassed by Geelong. Hughes replaced dashing half-back Brandon Walker in the defensive unit, his first game for the club since injuring his shoulder in the round seven western derby. The decision looked to be a smart one given the inclement weather and Hughes’ ability to play as an accountable defender, but his decision making and ball use left a bit to be desired. The former Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Lion had 13 touches across half-back and while his six intercept possessions were a highlight on a night where Geelong took 28 marks inside 50, his 69 per cent disposal efficiency was a frustration. His return came as a surprise somewhat, with only five days between his WAFL return for Peel Thunder and the Thursday night clash. Hughes has played every game he has been available for this year and is likely to hold his spot for next Saturday’s clash with Sydney, despite the return of half-back Hayden Young. Fellow South West products Connor Blakely and Tobe Watson both missed out for the Dockers, but featured for the Thunder in their nine-point loss to Claremont on Sunday. Blakely collected plenty of the footy through the midfield, finishing with 31 disposals and three inside 50s, while Watson had 20 disposals and six marks in the backline. Former Busselton Magpie Damon Greaves held his spot in the Hawthorn side which drew with Melbourne at an empty MCG on Saturday night. The defender had 12 disposals, and kicked the ball 11 times but turned it over three times coming off half-back. He did have five intercept possessions coming back the other way though, and took three marks. With dashing half-back Changkuoth Jiath injured, Greaves is likely to hold his spot for another week.