Arabic version: بيرس يتجنب الجراحة بعد إصابة في وتر أخيل بنهائي البطولة الكبرى

According to ABC News, Fremantle Dockers captain Alex Pearce will avoid surgery after scans confirmed a partial tear of his Achilles tendon and a significant calf strain sustained in Saturday’s AFL grand final loss to Brisbane.

Pearce was forced from the field in the third quarter after going down while chasing the ball during Fremantle’s seven-point defeat. The 31-year-old’s injury had prompted concern that a complete Achilles rupture could end his career or lead to an extended absence.

Fremantle football manager Joe Brierty said the scans delivered a promising outcome. He said Pearce had not suffered a complete rupture, would not require surgery and was expected to return to pre-season training.

The injury update followed a difficult week for the Dockers, who fell short of their first premiership after surrendering a 17-point lead in the final four minutes of the grand final. Brisbane’s win delivered the Lions three straight flags for the second time in the club’s history.

Fremantle also confirmed it would not hold public events to thank supporters. Brierty said the club would still celebrate its season, but its immediate focus was on exiting the campaign properly and setting players up for the off-season and a strong pre-season.