Fremantle has made one change for Sunday's crucial clash with Essendon at Patersons Stadium.

Midfielder Clayton Hinkley comes into the side, replacing Rhys Palmer.

The 22-year-old has played 14 AFL games since making his debut in 2008.

Michael Barlow's AFL comeback will have to wait at least another week, with the 23-year-old set to play league for Peel Thunder against West Perth on Saturday.

The club thought it was in the best interests for Barlow to return via the WAFL.

Fremantle team:
Backs G.Broughton 6 A.Grover 14 T.Mzungu 13
Half Backs G.Ibbotson 5 L.McPharlin 18 P.Duffield 41
Centreline S.Hill 32 M.Pavlich 29 N.Fyfe 7
Half Forwards C.Pearce 46 M.Johnson 37 Z.Clarke 30
Forwards R.Crowley 15 C.Mayne 23 H.Ballantyne 1
Followers J.Griffin 12 D.Mundy 16 M.De Boer 40
Interchange C.Hinkley 19 K.Bradley 26 N.Lower 34
J.Crichton 44

Emergencies
R.Palmer 10 J.Mellington 25 M.Barlow 21