Fremantle will need to make at least one change for this Saturday’s clash with Geelong at Optus Stadium, with defender Luke Ryan ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Most players in line for selection are coming off a bye, with Peel’s most recent WAFL game against East Fremantle on 20 July.
Here’s who could come into for the clash. The team will be announced at 4.20pm Thursday on fremantlefc.com.au.
Ethan Hughes
The defender had played every game this season before his omission against the Bulldogs. From his AFL 18 appearances this season, Hughes has averaged 15.3 disposals and 4.6 marks.
Ryan Nyhuis
The mid-sized defender has played four games this season, averaging 13.3 disposals and 4.3 marks per game. A lock-down defender, Nyhuis plays a different role down back to the intercepting Luke Ryan but he may still come in with a shuffling of roles in the back six.
Jason Carter
Recently upgraded to the senior list, Jason Carter is now eligible for selection after arriving at Freo as a category B rookie. The Next Generation Academy product has impressed for Peel this season, averaging 16 disposals per game in a mix of a wing and half-back roles. If selected, he will make his debut and become the first player from his home town of Wyndham to play in the AFL.
Tobe Watson
Another defender in line for a debut, Watson has averaged 17 disposals and 5.7 marks per game from 14 games for Peel in 2019. In his most recent appearance against East Fremantle, Watson had 16 disposals, six marks and four tackles.
Bailey Banfield
The young midfielder continues to push for selection, starring in his most recent WAFL appearance with 30 disposals, 12 tackles, seven marks and two goals. The 21-year-old has played four AFL games this season, most recently against Carlton in round 15.
Mitch Crowden
Like Banfield, Crowden is another young midfielder in line for selection. Crowden’s could significantly add to Freo’s midfield pressure, averaging 8.9 tackles this season. Against East Fremantle, he had 26 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.
Travis Colyer
The speedy midfielder has played 10 games in his first season for Fremantle, averaging 14.5 disposals per game. The former Bomber had 16 disposals, three tackles and three marks against East Fremantle.
Cam McCarthy
McCarthy was omitted for Freo’s clash with the Western Bulldogs and could be in line to return. The forward has kicked 16 goals form this 10 appearances this season.
Sam Switkowski
The small forward was another omission for the Bulldogs game. Switkowski has played 14 games in a pressure forward role, averaging 4.4 tackles per game.
