Hayden Ballantyne and Roger Hayden have been named for this weekend’s clash with Essendon at Subiaco Oval, with Michael Walters and Clancee Pearce also named on an extended bench.
Ballantyne returns after serving a two week suspension alongside Hayden, who has been sidelined since round nine (his 100th AFL game) with a fractured fibula.
Ballantyne returns after serving a two week suspension alongside Hayden, who has been sidelined since round nine (his 100th AFL game) with a fractured fibula.
Hayden, named in the half back line, has only played six games this season after missing the first three rounds with a hamstring injury, but had a big impact playing forward in Fremantle's successive victories over the Sydney Swans, West Coast and Carlton.
Also named on the extended interchange for the round 21 clash are Matt de Boer, Clancee Pearce, Kepler Bradley, Brett Peake, Byron Schammer, Jay van Berlo and Michael Walters.
Dean Solomon, who has been sidelined with a knee injury and will miss the remainder of the season, is the only out at this stage.
Luke McPharlin will play his 150th AFL game in front of Fremantle’s passionate members and supporters.
McPharlin debuted for Fremantle in 2002 following two seasons and 12 games with Hawthorn.
He has carved a name for himself as one of the finest defenders in the AFL but has shown he can be just as reliable at the other end of the ground. Playing as a key forward on several occasions, McPharlin has kicked more than 100 career goals.
While football has been just one part of his life throughout his 10 years in the game, Luke said he was grateful for the journey and proud of what he's achieved.
“To get to 150 has been a terrific journey and something I am really proud of,” said McPharlin.
McPharlin says he is proud of his career to date and hopes there are a few more years left for him at Fremantle.
"Ideally I'd like to play for a few more years, provided everything goes well,” he said.
"We've had our ups and downs at Fremantle, but I've certainly enjoyed playing here and I am looking forward to the season ahead."
Round 21
FREMANTLE v Essendon
Subiaco Oval – 2.40pm
FREMANTLE SQUAD:
Backs: Greg Broughton 48, Chris Tarrant 20, Marcus Drum 9
Half Backs: Roger Hayden 43, Luke McPharlin 18, Paul Duffield 41
Centre: Garrick Ibbotson 5, Paul Hasleby 4, Chris Mayne 23
Half Forward: Stephen Hill 32, Antoni Grover 14, Hayden Ballantyne 17
Forwards: Des Headland 11, Matthew Pavlich 29, Nic Suban 8
Rucks: Aaron Sandilands 31, Steven Dodd 25, David Mundy 16
Interchange: (from) Brett Peake 7, Clancee Pearce 46, Michael Walters 38, Byron Schammer 3, Kepler Bradley 26, Matt de Boer 40, Jay van Berlo 47
IN:
Roger Hayden
Hayden Ballantyne
Michael Walters
Clancee Pearce
OUT:
Dean Solomon (injured)
MILESTONE:
Luke McPharlin – 150 AFL games
FORECAST:
Sunday: Few showers, easing. Min: 9 Max: 16
BROADCAST DETAILS:
TV
Delayed on Channel 7 by 30 minutes - 3.00pm (WST)
Live on Foxtel: Fox Sports 1 from 2.30pm (WST)
**check local guides**
Radio
LIVE on 6PR and ABC from midday 2.30pm WST
**check local guides**
