Several Fremantle-listed players impressed in Peel’s 11-point win over Perth on the weekend.
Here’s who could be in the mix to face the Swans at Subiaco Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Clancee Pearce
The big-bodied utility was impressive against Perth, amassing 26 possessions, nine tackles and a goal in a midfield role. Pearce has now played two matches since returning from injury – the other included 21 touches and six tackles in torrential conditions at East Fremantle – and looks to have regained confidence in his body. Given the relative inexperience and slighter frames of Fremantle’s midfielders, particularly when compared to the match hardened Swans, the 100-gamer could be in contention for his first senior match since round nine.
Matt de Boer
Peel’s players regularly sing the praises of de Boer’s leadership and work ethic. The 26-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Thunder’s midfield, and remains steadfast in his attitude to improve. What can sometimes be undersold is the midfielder’s statistical dominance. De Boer has, to date, averaged nearly 29 possessions and eight tackles per match in the WAFL. On the weekend he registered another 29 touches and 12 tackles, and again put himself among the best players.
Josh Deluca
Ross Lyon has, on several occasions, nominated Deluca as a candidate for selection. The midfielder travelled with the team to the Gold Coast as an emergency – a role he has occupied a number of times this year – and showed strong form for the Thunder in the month prior. Deluca looks to be edging closer to a debut, but it would be a tough initiation against one of the competition’s best midfields.
Michael Apeness
The bustling big man returned to the fray last week after fracturing his collarbone against the Bombers in round 11. Apeness showed his usual penchant for crashing packs, notching two goals and seven marks in challenging conditions. Lyon has been open about his desire to expose the key forward to regular senior action. Apeness is likely to require at least another week in the WAFL, but shouldn’t be too far away.
Ethan Hughes
Hughes has looked solid since returning from a strained calf three weeks ago, and put in another polished performance on the weekend. The half-back showed clean skills and composure on his way to 22 possessions and eight marks and, like Pearce, looks unhindered by his previous injury. Hughes’ size – he stands at 187cm – affords him the flexibility to play on tall and small opponents. With mid-sized forwards Dean Towers, Gary Rohan and Xavier Richards likely to play, the defender could be called upon to bolster Freo’s defence.
Fremantle's game against Sydney at Domain Stadium on Sunday is proudly presented by Channel 7 Perth.
