Fremantle are going to back their young players to perform in Sunday’s blockbuster Western Derby at Optus Stadium, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.
An expected sell-out crowd nearing 60,000 at Optus Stadium against Freo’s arch-rivals will provide a finals-like atmosphere – a huge test for a team likely to consist of four first-year players in Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra, Bailey Banfield and Mitch Crowden.
Lyon added that second-year rookie Taylin Duman is expected to retain his spot after his debut in round five, despite the anticipated return of veteran defender Michael Johnson.
“From where we’re at and what we’re doing, it’s an opportunity for growth,” Lyon said.
“We want to see the best of Cerra, Brayshaw, Crowden and those guys.
“What they’re doing already for first-year players is really impressive and when that ball’s bounced, we’re there to win and we expect them to keep delivering.
“It’s not an issue. We’ll keep playing them and you’d think Taylin Duman will stay in. It’s a really interesting and exciting time and I think the fans are feeling that.”
Lyon said Banfield could be handed one of the most important tasks on the day.
The 20-year-old has successfully played a tagging role since round two, helping limit the likes of Aaron Hall, Zach Merrett, Lachie Whitfield and Jack Macrae.
Lyon discussed a number of opponents for Banfield, including Eagles skipper Shannon Hurn, who plays a similar role to Whitfield at half-back.
In round four against GWS, Banfield kept Whitfield to six touches at half time before moving to midfielder Dylan Shiel and a separate role in the forwardline.
“We’ve tagged Hurn, (Andrew) Gaff and (Luke) Shuey before,” Lyon said.
“We did cover Whitfield for that half and in hindsight, we probably shouldn’t have broken it at half time, that didn’t help us.
“It’s a possibility and you can clearly see why he’s their captain. He’s a top-flight player.”
