WAFL 2025: South Fremantle star Matt Parker cleared of broken ribs, Haiden Schloithe available for league team

South Fremantle are hopeful Sandover Medal fancy Matt Parker will be available for the top-of-the-table clash against Claremont after being cleared of broken ribs. It comes as The West Australian can reveal Haiden Schloithe is a chance to make his return to the league side in another incredible step after beating testicular cancer. Parker was hospitalised on Saturday after he copped a knock to the ribs in a tackle during the second-quarter of the Bulldogs’ win over Perth at Fremantle Oval. The club sent him straight for multiple scans believing he’d sustained broken ribs, but he has since been cleared and needs to get through main training on Wednesday night to put his hand up to take on Claremont. Parker — a former St Kilda and Richmond player — is among this year’s hopefuls for the Sandover Medal having averaged 23 disposals from 11 games so far this season for the ladder leaders. Meanwhile, Schloithe is available for league selection after he got through a full reserves games on unrestricted minutes for the first time. The 2017 Sandover medallist collected 35 disposals as a midfielder against the Demons as he looks to break into the side for the back half of the season. Schloithe, 32, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in January but is in remission after after surgery and three bouts of chemotherapy. The five-time fairest-and-best winner made his heartwarming football return in round 10, kicking a goal from 13 touches and seven marks against East Perth. Schloithe will have to also get through training on Wednesday night before the Bulldogs have match committee. Speaking to The West Australian last month, Schloithe said the chance to claim a second flag at the Bulldogs motivated him to return after beating cancer. “It’s one of the big reasons why I was so eager to get back, the boys are flying,” he said. “This group’s got something special, and we can do something special this year. I just witnessed a bloody cracking game of WAFL footy (in the win over the Royals). “I’m chomping at the bit to, I really want to be back out there with the boys and helping the team get a win.”