A knee injury to Michael Walters has opened the door for Fremantle’s younger players to go through the midfield, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.

Lyon says Lachie Weller and Connor Blakely, who were both taken in the 2014 National Draft, stand a chance to earn some time in the middle against GWS at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.

Blakely spent the start of the 2017 season in the midfield before switching to half-back after the bye, while Weller has seen time in all areas of the ground, including the wing as an outside midfielder.

Playing in his third season with 42 games under his belt, Lyon said Weller is due to test his hand on the inside.

“(Walters) has been going through there, so that’s a bit of a challenge (to replace him),” Lyon said.

“Maybe we’ll look at a Lachie Weller through the midfield, because ultimately that’s what he was drafted at, an inside mid.

“Is he (an inside midfielder) in AFL footy? That’s debatable, he’s sort of finishing his schooling off - forward, back, wing and the next piece is inside.”

Lyon said he remains of Weller’s size. Freo’s taller mids David Mundy, Nat Fyfe and Blakely all weigh in at just over 90kg, while Weller stands at 181cm and 79kg.

Conversely, Lachie Neale and Walters are around Weller’s size at 80kg and 75kg respectively.

“It’s so physical in there that it takes some of your run away,” Lyon said.

“You’re getting hit a lot more, and that’s why those big bodied guys tend to handle it a bit better, that’s something that we’ll look at him for.” 

Lyon says Blakely’s role will be up for discussion at the selection table, with the 21-year-old impressing in the midfield and at half-back. 

“Connor can go in there (the midfield), that’s going to be the debate,” Lyon said. 

“Obviously a few guys want to see him back in there, the midfield coaches, but he’s blossomed really quickly down back which surprised us all, he’s really enjoying it.

“As a young player, he’s got plenty to learn still in the midfield, they’re very crafty in there.

“It’s good to be able to have two areas that you can go to and play at a good level.”

The third-placed Giants have one win since their round 13 bye, against the last-placed Brisbane Lions, with two draws and two losses in their past five games.

Despite the Giants showing some vulnerability, Lyon knows Freo can’t underestimate the talented side.

“They’ve shown they can be beaten so we’ve got to compete from the start to the end but it’s a big challenge,” Lyon said.

“Our narrative is clear, we’re trying to win and we’re developing. 

“We would have liked to have been a bit better last week, so we want to go up there and improve our football.”