Senior coach Ross Lyon has confirmed at least four players will make their Fremantle debut against Geelong during Sunday’s Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presented by Fremantle Ports.
In the NAB AFL Trade Period, Fremantle brought in Cam McCarthy, Bradley Hill, Joel Hamling and Shane Kersten, and Lyon stated that all four have done enough to earn their round one spots.
Lyon acknowledged that the group has worked hard in the pre-season to gel with the team.
“The aim is to put it together straight away, but it’s a work in progress,” Lyon said.
“It’s not going to be perfect. But again we’ve worked really hard.
“Under the fierce cauldron of an AFL game, there’s nothing that can substitute for that, and I’m sure we’ll learn some lessons and look to improve.
“Those four (new signings) will play, so it’s exciting for us.”
Lyon said McCarthy will take a degree of confidence into Sunday’s game, after the 193cm forward kicked six goals against Carlton in Fremantle’s final JLT Community Series game.
“Confidence is built by action, (and McCarthy) did all the hard work over summer,” Lyon said.
“He didn’t miss a session, and on all the metrics that get thrown around these days, he was high consistently. That gave him the best opportunity to perform well.”
Lyon added that he was pleased to see the 21-year-old staying level headed, after reading comments made by McCarthy in Saturday’s Weekend West.
“(Kicking six goals) certainly will make him feel good about himself but I loved Cam’s article over the weekend,” Lyon said.
“(Cam said) I’m no-one’s saviour, I’m here to play my role and I’m not going to do that every week…but it certainly builds belief.”
“He’s got capabilities to grow. He’s only a young man, he’s played a handful of AFL games really and he’s only 21. There’s plenty of growth in him.”
Lyon also acknowledged that a number of players were still in the mix for round one selection, including second year player Harley Balic who is yet to play at AFL level.
“They’re all a chance, we’ve just got to work through it,” Lyon said.
“I think it’s unfair to narrow it down (right now), and I think that’s the consideration we have to balance up.”
Sunday's game has added significance as Fremantle's 500th in the AFL - with fans encouraged to deck themselves out in Purple as a part of the Starlight Purple Haze festivities.
Tickets are still available for Sunday's match through ticketmaster.com.au or by calling 1300 135 915.
The Fremantle Dockers Foundation is proud to have the Starlight Children's Foundation on board as a Principal 'Friend of the Foundation’
