In a sign of confidence in young ruckman Sean Darcy, Fremantle has opted to go with two rucks against St Kilda for Sunday’s clash at Domain Stadium.
Darcy, 19, remains in the side after the inclusion of Freo’s no.1 ruckman Aaron Sandilands, who makes his return after missing four games with a hamstring injury.
Captain Nat Fyfe (bruised sternum) and Brady Grey (hamstring) also come back into the side after missing last week’s clash with Geelong, while 22-year-old Ethan Hughes returns to play his first game since round 11.
Fremantle has not fielded a side with two specialist rucks since round two, however Darcy’s 40 hitouts on debut against Geelong was enough for senior coach Ross Lyon to utilise the youngster in support of Sandilands.
When not rucking, Darcy is likely to spend time up front, where he has excelled for Peel in the WAFL.
Against Swan Districts in round nine, Darcy kicked four goals while collecting 31 hitouts.
The following week against Perth, Darcy kicked two goals with 22 hitouts.
Darcy is likely to fill the role vacated by forward Shane Kersten, who was omitted.
Fremantle’s other omissions are Stephen Hill (calf), Josh Deluca (ankle) and Connor Blakely (omitted).
Kersten, Danyle Pearce and Sam Collins have been named as Fremantle’s emergencies.
