WAFL 2024: South Fremantle sweat on Matthew Parker scans after pinging hamstring late in Swan Districts draw

South Fremantle are sweating over scans for star midfielder Matthew Parker after he injured his left hamstring in the last quarter of their draw against Swan Districts at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday. The former Richmond and St Kilda forward has been one the stars for the Bulldogs’ this season, averaging 25 disposals as part of a dynamic speedster duo alongside recruit Isiah Winder. Parker, 28, left late in the 8.12 (60) to 8.12 (60) draw against the Swans with a hamstring concern and will have scans on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The injury occurred chasing down Swans defender Lewis Tester with Parker seen immediately grabbing at his left hamstring while guestering to the Bulldogs bench. He limped to the sidelines and took no further part in the game. South Fremantle are hopeful it’s only a minor hamstring issue, but he’s almost certain to miss the next two games which could be crucial to their top-five hopes. The Bulldogs face arch-rivals East Fremantle in the derby on Saturday, before tackling ladder-leaders Peel Thunder as they hope to cling to their place inside the top five. East Fremantle and Claremont sit only two premiership points behind South Fremantle as the race towards the finals heats up. Parker’s injury is a blow for the Bulldogs who are already without star midfielder Jake Florenca to a serious hamstring injury, while utility Zac Strom has been a late withdrawal in the past two weeks with back soreness. Claremont will undoubtedly be tested by the Thunder down in Mandurah this Saturday, but have a favourable run home with home games against West Perth and West Coast, before they round out the season against Subiaco. Meanwhile, the Sharks have their destiny in their hands with clashes against fellow finals contenders South Fremantle, Swan Districts and East Perth, before they finish the year against the Eagles. East Fremantle are coming off the bye and should welcome back captain Matt Jupp from a concussion while Sandover medallist Blaine Boekhorst is set to be available after sustaining a shoulder injury in round 11.