After a solid win for Peel Thunder last weekend, a handful of Freo players put their hands up for selection ahead of Fremantle’s season opener against Geelong at Domain Stadium on Sunday.
From the 13 Fremantle listed players who represented Peel on Saturday night, only first year players Sean Darcy and Griffin Logue featured in Fremantle’s final JLT Community Series game against Carlton a fortnight ago.
The remaining 11 went into last Saturday night’s game against East Perth pushing to earn a spot in the Fremantle 22.
Hayden Crozier
Playing on the ball, Crozier created seven clearances with 13 contested possessions from his 26 disposals. Crozier, who played 16 AFL games in 2016, may find a place either at half-back or in the forwardline as a potential replacement for the injured Hayden Ballantyne.
Tommy Sheridan
A reliable utility player, Sheridan played all but one game in 2016, but missed selection for Fremantle’s final two JLT Series games. Sheridan was among Peel’s best players on Saturday, with a 24 disposal performance playing at half-back and on the wing.
Sam Collins
Collins played 12 games in 2016 but missed selection for all three of Freo’s JLT Series games. With key defender Alex Pearce not available for selection through injury, Collins could find himself called upon - especially after keeping East Perth’s AFL-listed key forwards goalless on Saturday while taking eight strong marks in defence.
Sean Darcy
Sean Darcy remains a chance to make his AFL debut in round one. Alongside Jon Griffin, Darcy worked as a back-up ruckman to Aaron Sandilands in both of Freo’s pre-season wins against Carlton and Collingwood, and picked up 22 hit-outs against East Perth.
Harley Balic
With Freo taking an almost full-strength midfield into round one, Harley Balic has limited avenues to break into the side despite an impressive 30–disposal performance against East Perth. In Wednesday’s press conference, Lyon acknowledged Balic was one of many players capable of filling a role in round one.
Griffin Logue
Logue played just one game in the JLT Series against Carlton and showed glimpses of his potential with a supergoal. A solid 17-disposal effort playing on a mix of East Perth’s taller and smaller forwards wouldn’t have hurt the 18-year-old’s chances of a call up in Freo’s backline.
Tickets are still available for Sunday's Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presentated by Fremantle Ports, 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’
