Fremantle have made five changes ahead of Sunday’s RAC Derby against the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium.
Defender Brennan Cox returns to the side after missing round two due to the AFL's health and safety protocols, while Brandon Walker joins him in defence for his first game of 2022.
Matt Taberner will also play his first game for Fremantle this year after injuring his hamstring on the eve of round one.
Taberner kicked 37 goals in 2021 and was a standout in the preseason matches this year and will provide a presence up forward alongside Rory Lobb.
Nathan O’Driscoll joins debutant Neil Erasmus in the starting 22 after O’Driscoll was named as the medical sub last week.
O’Driscoll managed to kick his first career goal against St. Kilda after he was activated late in the game due to Sean Darcy injuring his ankle.
Erasmus was told on Friday that he would debut, and stand-in coach Jaymie Graham believes he is deserving of his selection.
“He’s had a fantastic pre-season and he is well-loved by the playing group and staff,” Graham said.
“His effort, intent, and the way he goes about things at training have been astounding and he has really earnt this opportunity.”
Both Darcy (ankle) and Caleb Serong (knee) were given every opportunity to play this weekend but will miss the RAC Derby due to injury, while Joel Hamling, Griffin Logue, and Bailey Banfield will make way for the incoming Cox, Walker, and O’Driscoll.
Fremantle will be looking to make it back-to-back RAC Derby wins on Sunday after they broke an 11-game losing streak against the Eagles in round 22 last year.
The medical sub will be named at 3.20 pm WST on Sunday.
TAB TOUCH 22 v West Coast Eagles
B: Brennan Cox, Alex Pearce, Brandon Walker
HB: Hayden Young, Luke Ryan, James Aish
C: Jordan Clark, Andrew Brayshaw, Blake Acres
HF: Darcy Tucker, Matt Taberner, Lachie Schultz
F: Sam Switkowski, Rory Lobb, Michael Frederick
R/Fol: Lloyd Meek, Will Brodie, Michael Walters
I: Neil Erasmus, Nathan O'Driscoll, Travis Colyer, Heath Chapman
E: Josh Treacy, Griffin Logue, Connor Blakely, Bailey Banfield
IN: Erasmus (Debut), O’Driscoll, Cox, Walker, Taberner
OUT: Darcy, Serong, Hamling, Logue, Banfield
