Speedy defender Brandon Walker has returned to the senior side after missing the Club’s round 18 loss to Hawthorn, he joins Alex Pearce and Sean Darcy as the inclusions in Fremantle's final 23 named for Sunday's Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presented by South32.
Walker made his first WAFL league appearance for Peel Thunder since round nine of 2021 at the weekend, where he gathered 14 disposals, five tackles and four marks.
Walker has been named on the bench alongside Sam Sturt, Jaeger O’Meara, James Aish and Michael Walters.
Club captain Pearce was confirmed on Thursday that he would make his AFL return after fracturing his forearm in round 15 against the Gold Coast Suns.
Pearce replaces Joshua Draper who has been omitted for Sunday’s clash.
Sean Darcy has also returned to the side after missing round 18 with concussion.
Key forward Pat Voss (omitted) and midfielder Matthew Johnson (foot injury) round out the changes made ahead of the clash.
Pearce will play in defence alongside Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan for the first time since round 24 of 2023.
The weekend’s clash will be Ryan’s 150th game milestone, with senior coach Justin Longmuir stating at his Friday morning media conference that it was a milestone well deserved.
“He’s a great teammate… players walk taller running out with him,” Longmuir said.
“He has his teammates backs, has a level of competitiveness that not all players have, he just wants to win, win every contest, he wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to that, and like I said his teammates love walking out with him.
“It will be great to see him get a life membership, its well deserved.”
The playing group will wear the Club’s 2024 Starlight Purple Haze jumper and fans are urged to make their goal pledge for the clash.
Earlier today at his media conference Longmuir confirmed Walters would start as the Club’s substitute.
Will Brodie, Karl Worner and Voss have been named as the emergencies for the match.
Bouncedown will be at 1.20pm WST on Sunday and will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Sports 3 and streamed live on Kayo.
