Matt Taberner is set to make his AFL return, named as one of three inclusions for Fremantle’s clash with Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
The key forward is joined by Michael Frederick and Liam Henry as Freo’s three ins, replacing Sam Switkowski (back), Blake Acres (hamstring) and Michael Walters, who comes out due to a calf injury.
Darcy Tucker is also technically an omission after coming on as a medical sub replacement for Acres against Hawthorn.
Tucker has been named as an emergency alongside Mitch Crowden, Sam Sturt and Lloyd Meek.
Taberner’s inclusion comes in time for Fremantle’s return to Marvel Stadium, where he kicked seven against Essendon in round five.
Frederick (15) and Taberner (14) have combined for 29 goals this season and have been named on the interchange.
Henry has been named at half forward and will play his third game this season after appearances against Adelaide and North Melbourne.
He impressed in his most recent outing for Peel with 16 disposals and two goals.
Taberner joins Rory Lobb, Griffin Logue and Nat Fyfe as a tall forward attack against a Carlton defence that has been impacted by injury.
Senior Coach Justin Longmuir said Fremantle were happy to go with the three talls, with Fyfe also spending time forward.
“(Playing three tall forwards) comes into our thinking, absolutely," Longmuir said in Wednesday’s media conference.
"The other thing is we need to be mindful that it's the replacement for (Jacob) Weitering they're struggling with given their injury list, and probably (Zac) Williams.
"But other than that, they're pretty settled down there and they're still a good backline, so we can't take them lightly.
"We've got to make sure we get the balance right with our team selection and mindset."
Fremantle will celebrate a significant milestone on the day, with David Mundy playing his 366th game to bring him into the top 10 all time AFL/VFL games played.
The game is the first of four consecutive away games for Fremantle at Marvel Stadium. Click here to sign up to a Melbourne membership to get access to Freo’s upcoming away games against the Blues, St Kilda, Richmond, and the Western Bulldogs.
Bouncedown for the clash is at 1.45pm EST (11.45am WST) and will be broadcast live into WA on Fox Footy and can be streamed on Kayo.
The game will be delayed into WA on free to air under the requirements of the AFL’s broadcast agreement, with the delayed broadcast on 7mate commencing at 2.30pm.
Those wanting to watch the game live can sign up to a 14-day free trial on Kayo.
TABtouch22 v CARLTON
IN: Matt Taberner, Liam Henry, Michael Frederick
OUT: Sam Switkowski, Michael Walters, Blake Acres, Darcy Tucker
B: Brandon Walker, Alex Pearce, Hayden Young
HB: Brennan Cox, Luke Ryan, Ethan Hughes
C: James Aish, Andrew Brayshaw, Jordan Clark
HF: Liam Henry, Lachie Schultz, Travis Colyer
F: Nat Fyfe, Rory Lobb, Griffin Logue
R/Fol: Sean Darcy, Will Brodie, Caleb Serong
I: Matt Taberner, David Mundy, Michael Frederick, Bailey Banfield
E: Mitch Crowden, Darcy Tucker, Sam Sturt, Lloyd Meek
What sets Mundy apart from the top 10
Gallery: Main training 22 June
The numbers behind Mundy's rise to the top 10
