Fremantle could field two debutants and up to seven first-year players when taking on Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday.
Among Fremantle’s seven inclusions to their extended squad are potential debutants Stefan Giro and Scott Jones as well as Michael Apeness, who is set to play his first AFL game in 645 days.
A speedy midfielder on Fremantle’s rookie list, Giro is a potential replacement for the injured Stephen Hill (quad).
The 19-year-old excelled in the WAFL last Saturday against East Fremantle, racking up 34 disposals, seven marks and five clearances.
While Apeness was slated as a potential ruck replacement for Aaron Sandilands (concussion), the inclusion of first-year ruckman Scott Jones would allow Apeness to provide a strong marking target forward and as a back-up support to Jones.
Defender Taylin Duman and forward Mitch Crowden could also come in, joining fellow 2018 debutants Giro, Jones, Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Bailey Banfield in the extended squad.
So far this season, Fremantle’s five 2018 debutants have played 41 games – six more than the second most this season (Geelong).
Midfielder Tommy Sheridan is set to play his third AFL game of the season after two appearances in rounds three and four.
Shane Kersten may get his chance to test himself as a defender after his omission in round one. The 191cm key position player made the switch from the forwardline to the backline in the WAFL, averaging 6.7 marks from seven appearances.
Danyle Pearce (omitted) joins Hill and Sandilands as Fremantle’s outs.
