Shane Kersten is fitting into a new role at Fremantle as he returns to the starting 22 to face Collingwood on Sunday at the MCG, according to defence coach Michael Prior.

Speaking on the eve of the clash, Prior said he’s seen the 191cm Kersten take to a switch from a key forward to key defender since his last AFL appearance in round one.

In Kersten’s past three WAFL appearances, he’s averaged 19.7 disposals and 7.7 marks per game in the backline. 

“Shane’s been training and playing as a back in the WAFL and he’s built into a position where he can come in and play a role for us tomorrow,” Prior said. 

“It’s exciting for Shane and we’re about to find out what he can do.

“I’ve just had my first (defense) line meeting with him and I fired him a few questions and he knew the answers, which was good.”

Kersten comes in as one of Fremantle’s older players in a youthful backline, joining fellow 25-year-olds Joel Hamling and Nathan Wilson as well as 22-year-olds Alex Pearce, Connor Blakely and Luke Ryan and 20-year-old Taylin Duman.

Duman and Kersten came in as Fremantle made six changes, preferencing youth over experience with the likes of 33-year-old Michael Johnson coming out.

The result is Fremantle’s youngest starting 22 in almost eight years, at just an average age of 23.1.

“It’s interesting. That Michael Johnson experience goes out but we want all of our players to lead, no matter whether it’s your first game or played 100 or 200 games,” Prior said. 

“That’s one of the things that we promote, not only in the backline, but everywhere across the ground.

“If you see a problem, the only way you can fix that is by using your voice so we expect all our players to be doing that and that’s a form of leadership.”

Prior addressed the encouraging selection conundrum of depth in Fremantle’s backline, with the likes of Griffin Logue and Lee Spurr set to return from injury.

“There is some depth in defence, it’s good and its going to be great when those two get up and going,” Prior said.

“Griffin is probably closer to returning than Lee at the moment but it just adds that extra bit of pressure for spots in the team and that’s what we need.

“I think they can both come in and play a role for us, we know Lee’s been a fantastic player for us over the journey, playing on those small dangerous forwards and really got the job done. 

“Griffin’s showing that he’s grown in the role, playing on tall and small players with his athleticism and speed, it’s going to add another dimension to our back six.”