Ross Lyon said Freo would field a strong side in the NAB Challenge, as the team begins the 2016 campaign against Richmond on Friday.
Lyon said Freo’s second year players had been impressive this pre-season and will see significant game time in the NAB Challenge.
“We’re really pleased with the progress of the second year guys,” Lyon said.
“(Connor) Blakely and (Lachie) Weller will definitely play.
“(Ed) Langdon would have played but had a virus last week so we’ll give him another week.”
While opportunities will come for young players in the NAB Challenge, Lyon said it would be up to them to seize the moment as they push toward round one.
“We want to give as many opportunities as we can,” he said.
“But they need to be able to grab it."
When asked whether experienced players such as Aaron Sandilands and Matthew Pavlich would play multiple NAB Challenge games, Lyon was up front with this answer.
“They’ll play them all.”
The addition of Anthony Rock, Brent Guerra and David Hale to the Fremantle coaching staff was well documented over the pre-season and Lyon said he’s excited about seeing new ideas come to fruition.
“They’ve stimulated some really good thinking and ideas,” he said.
“Our foundation is rock solid and you just continue to build on some concepts and be more skilful.
“We’re under no illusions on how difficult it is, but we’re excited by the challenge.
