Fremantle is expecting to welcome back two experienced campaigners against West Coast, while several players performed well for Peel on Saturday.

Here’s who pressed their claims to play in Sunday’s Carlton Draught Derby.

Aaron Sandilands
Talking after Fremantle’s loss to Sydney on Sunday, Ross Lyon suggested Sandilands’ return was imminent. The ruckman last played in round three, when he injured his ribs in a marking contest with West Coast’s Nic Naitanui. The 33-year-old completed a large block of fitness work throughout his rehabilitation and has since returned to full training. Given Freo’s shortcomings at stoppages in 2016 – which were again exposed on the weekend – Sandilands’ addition could be beneficial.

Hayden Ballantyne
The small forward’s determination and courage cannot be questioned. Just a fortnight after fracturing his cheekbone against Geelong – an injury with which he played for more than two quarters – Ballantyne was doing everything to ready himself for the match-hardened Swans. Like Sandilands, Lyon suggested the 29-year-old was a strong chance to play West Coast, but stopped short of guaranteeing his place in the side.

Two-year contract extension for Apeness

Michael Apeness
Fresh from five second-half goals for Peel, the 200cm forward put pen to paper on Monday and extended his stay at Fremantle until 2018. Apeness has no doubt craved continuity in three injury-interrupted seasons at the club. Saturday’s match for Peel in the WAFL was only his second since returning from a collarbone injury sustained against Essendon. However, with just four rounds left for the year, Lyon may opt to throw the 21-year-old in the at deep end.

Ethan Hughes
With Zac Dawson set to miss through suspension, Hughes may be called upon to play on one of West Coast’s versatile forwards. The defender was solid again for Peel with 19 possessions and three inside 50s, and used his clean skills to good effect. Against the likes of Mark LeCras and Jamie Cripps, Hughes’ ability to play tall and small could prove useful.

Connor Blakely
Blakely’s numbers made for impressive reading. The NAB Rising Star nominee gathered 31 possessions, laid five tackles and kicked a goal as Peel’s most prominent midfielder on the afternoon. The coaching staff will determine whether his kicking has sufficiently improved but Blakely did his chances of making a maiden derby appearance no harm.

Anthony Morabito
Morabito impressed for Peel with 15 touches, three goals, five marks and three inside 50s. Having played off half-back for the majority of the season, the 24-year old enjoyed the freedom of the midfield and used his run and carry to damaging affect.