Three South West players on flight chartered flight to Melbourne for Dockers’ meetings with Blues, Hawks

All three of Fremantle’s South West products were a part of the contingent which flew to Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon, fleeing Perth’s COVID lockdown to ensure the AFL season can continue. Ethan Hughes, Tobe Watson and Connor Blakely were all aboard the chartered flight to Melbourne ahead of Fremantle’s games against Carlton and Hawthorn. Images of the flight went viral earlier this week after pictures emerged of West Coast and Fremantle players split down the middle of the plane. None of the trio featured in Fremantle’s victory over Collingwood at the weekend with Blakely and Watson missing out through inconsistent form and Hughes continuing his recovery from a long-term shoulder injury. Hughes’ inclusion in the 38-player travelling party indicates the defender is a chance to return to the line-up in coming weeks. Blakely, who was seen leaving the club’s Cockburn facilities on Tuesday with his guitar, featured in the WAFL for Peel Thunder and kicked two goals as well as leading his side with 27 disposals. Watson also featured, racking up 21 touches and eight marks down back in the club’s seven-point loss to East Perth. The Dockers are set to face Carlton in Geelong before facing Hawthorn in Tasmania the following week. Bunbury’s West Coast Eagles recruit Isiah Winder also flew to Melbourne as he recovers from a knee injury.