Fremantle have confirmed the Club’s final team of 23 to take on Melbourne in Round 6 at the MCG on Saturday, with Oscar McDonald the sole change to the side.
McDonald is set to play his first AFL game in 398 days after injuring his knee during his Club debut in Round 1 of 2024.
The 29-year-old has been named on the bench alongside Bailey Banfield, Isaiah Dudley, Josh Draper and Matthew Johnson.
Pat Voss is the player to make way with the AFL Tribunal upholding his three-game suspension for striking on Tuesday.
Speaking at his Thursday morning media conference in Melbourne, Senior Coach Justin Longmuir said McDonald could be used as a second ruck option.
“He’s played that role – Voss’ role – at WAFL level,” Longmuir said.
“We’ve tried to develop him into a bit of a swingman for us and a need-based player.”
After successful returns in Gather Round, both Sean Darcy and Hayden Young have been named in the ruck and centre respectively.
For electrifying forward Dudley, Saturday will mark the 21-year-old’s first game at the MCG.
Similarly, for five-gamer Murphy Reid, Saturday will be his first-time playing at the 'G, aside from an underage curtain-raiser before the 2023 AFL Grand Final.
Named at half-back alongside Heath Chapman and Jordan Clark, Karl Worner will play his fourth consecutive AFL game – the first time he has done so in his 12-game career.
Fremantle have won four of their past five games against the Demons, including the last two at the MCG.
Freo’s current three-game win streak against Melbourne is equal with Richmond as the Club’s longest active win streak against an opposition side.
incredible to think that we’re in the 28th year of the Len Hall Tribute Game!
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) April 17, 2025
here’s the story behind the jumper we’ll wear next Friday night 💜#foreverfreo
Saturday’s match will be one of two games the Club will play at the MCG during the home and away season.
James Aish, Neil Erasmus and Liam Reidy have been named as emergencies for the clash.
The tactical substitute will be named one hour before the game on Saturday.
Bounce down on Saturday is at 11.20am WST, with the game broadcast live on Fox Footy and streamed live on Kayo.
Please note
Channel 7’s free-to-air broadcast will feature a delayed telecast of the game, beginning at 1.00pm WST.
7plus will also offer a delayed stream.
