Forward/midfielder Michael Walters is confident Fremantle’s young players can rise to the challenge and fill the void left by captain Nat Fyfe in Saturday’s RAC Derby at Optus Stadium.

Fyfe confirmed on Wednesday that he would miss the clash due to concussion.

“There’s a lot on all the leaders in particular, but also the team,” Walters said.

“If you put your hand up to play you need to make sure you get out there and play your role for the team. There is always going to be pressure externally on the leaders but internally it’s a whole team focus.

“Ross (Lyon) said Adam Cerra could go in there, he’s played in the midfield plenty of times. Then you’ve got a lot of players playing at Peel that are pretty consistent too.

“There are a lot of players that can play in that small forward role but also midfield as well.”

Walters said he was ready for the big clash after a starring performance against St Kilda in round three.

Walters played a physical game against the Saints and said he’s feeling ready to go again. 

“The body is good,” Walters said.

“I’m quite confident with it now. Through pre-season I did have a calf issue and a bit of a sore knee but after getting hit around in the midfield on the weekend I’m quite confident in it now.

“I reckon it might be the most I’ve played apart from St Kilda two years ago, in the midfield. I enjoy it. You do get someone playing tight on you in the forward line and it’s good to sort of get that freedom back through the midfield. 

“I’m not really sure (how much time I’ll spend in the midfield). There is no doubt I will go forward-mid. That’s the role I’ve been playing over the last three or four years so I guess there will be no change there.”