Former Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault player Ethan Hughes pushed to the outer at Fremantle as Young, Walker star

The return of their defensive troops might have helped Fremantle back into the top eight, but it could spell the end of the season for former Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Lion Ethan Hughes. Hughes, pictured, was dropped by the Dockers ahead of their clash with Sydney last week in favour of Brandon Walker and now quarantine conditions placed on players and staff make him unavailable to play for the club’s WAFL affiliate, Peel Thunder. Walker and fellow rebounding defender Hayden Young then starred for the Dockers in their 7.13 (55) to 6.15 (51) win over Richmond on Sunday, pushing Hughes further to the outer. Young, who effectively played in Hughes’ position, had 23 disposals and his brave and nearly flawless distribution was a highlight for Fremantle coming out of the back-half. The 20-year-old former top 10 draft pick disposed of the ball at more than 90 per cent in just his third game back from injury. Bunbury product Connor Blakely and former Donnybrook player Tobe Watson, who is another of the players keeping Hughes out of the side, both featured in the win. Blakely made yet another medical substitute appearance for the side, replacing Bailey Banfield after he sustained a serious head injury in the second quarter. The 25-year-old finished the game with 17 disposals and provided a calm head and considered ball use for the Dockers in arguably his best game for the club this season. Watson was also solid down back, collecting five marks. All Fremantle players and staff, including Hughes, are subject to slightly amended State Government self quarantine conditions, which allow them to leave their homes only to train and play AFL games. It left Peel Thunder with a skeleton list for their clash with South Fremantle at the weekend and they were thumped 3.7 (25) to 22.9 (141). The win moves the Dockers up to eighth, with three games to come.