Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe will make his return from injury for Saturday’s clash with GWS at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
The return of the two-time Brownlow Medallist comes as Freo prepare for what Justin Longmuir has dubbed their most important game of the season.
While Fremantle have a home final and top-six place sewn up, a win will put the pressure on Collingwood and Sydney to win their games on Sunday to ensure they aren’t replaced by Freo in the top four.
Fyfe is joined by ruckman Lloyd Meek as Fremantle’s two inclusions, replacing Darcy Tucker and the injured Rory Lobb.
Tucker has been named as an emergency alongside Bailey Banfield, Liam Henry and Ethan Hughes, with one of the four to be confirmed as the medical sub an hour before bouncedown.
Fyfe last played in Fremantle’s draw against Richmond where he sustained a hamstring injury, while Meek has shown excellent form at WAFL level
He most recently had 40 hitouts in Peel’s win against South Fremantle and also had 51 hitouts and a goal against West Perth and 38 hitouts and a goal against Subiaco among his past five WAFL games.
Fremantle have won four of five games Meek have played this season, including his 28 hitouts, nine contested possessions, four clearances and a goal against Geelong.
Fyfe has played six games this season, with his best performance coming via his 21 disposals and three goals against St Kilda in round 17.
The game will also be celebrated as Michael Walters’ 200th game, becoming the 12th Fremantle player to reach the milestone.
Bouncedown for the clash is at 11.45am WST and will be broadcast live into Perth on Channel 7, Fox Footy and can be streamed on Kayo.
TEAM v GWS
IN: Lloyd Meek, Nat Fyfe
OUT: Rory Lobb, Darcy Tucker
B: Brandon Walker, Brennan Cox, Jordan Clark
HB: Hayden Young, Alex Pearce, Luke Ryan
C: Michael Frederick, Andrew Brayshaw, Blake Acres
HF: Lachie Schultz, Sam Switkowski, Nathan O’Driscoll
F: Griffin Logue, Nat Fyfe, Michael Walters
R/Fol: Sean Darcy, Will Brodie, Caleb Serong
I: Lloyd Meek, David Mundy, James Aish, Heath Chapman
E: Bailey Banfield, Darcy Tucker, Liam Henry, Ethan Hughes
Sonny2Hunny: The proud Midland boy who loves ice cream
Friendship strong enough to break a tag
Gallery: Main training 17 August
