That was the only change from Fremantle’s team that eclipsed the West Coast Eagles in round 1 of the home and away season.
Ruckman/forward Zac Clarke was not named because of a calf injury, while youngsters Tom Sheridan, Lachie Neale and Jack Hannath are the emergencies.
With Ballantyne suspended for the round 2 game, Crozier earned the right to come in because of his consistent efforts at WAFL level in recent weeks.
The 19-year-old made his debut in round 10 last year and made an immediate impact in his first three games before glandular fever ended his season.
He kicked four goals for Peel Thunder on the weekend, and Freo assistant coach Peter Sumich was confident the Victorian would fit in seamlessly into the club’s forward set-up.
“We’re just replacing a small forward with a small forward,” Sumich said.
“Last year against Richmond in round 11, Hayden came in and won eight ground balls in the wet. He was terrific.
“We know he can do it and exposing another kid is what we’re about.”
Sumich said the decision to replace Ballantyne was not made easy by the sheer volume of young players performing well in the WAFL.
Crozier’s teammate at the Thunder, Sheridan, had 27 disposals on the weekend, while Neale has been among Swan Districts’ best.
Josh Mellington has also put his hand up with some very good efforts for West Perth.
Sumich was in Melbourne to watch the Bulldogs defy the doubters in round 1 by smashing NAB Cup premiers Brisbane by 68 points.
Brendan McCartney’s side led the AFL in a number of key performance indicators, including scores from stoppages.
The Freo forwards coach was impressed by the Dogs’ ability to play as a team.
“They really bonded well together and their set-ups were very good,” Sumich said.
“Brendan McCartney’s a very good coach. He’s moulded the group in his second year and they look like they’re going to play some decent footy.”
Fremantle squad:
| 3 | Zac Dawson |
| 6 | Danyle Pearce |
| 7 | Nathan Fyfe |
| 8 | Nick Suban |
| 9 | Matt de Boer |
| 10 | Michael Walters |
| 12 | Jon Griffin |
| 13 | Tendai Mzungu |
| 15 | Ryan Crowley |
| 16 | David Mundy |
| 17 | Hayden Crozier |
| 18 | Luke McPharlin |
| 21 | Michael Barlow |
| 23 | Chris Mayne |
| 26 | Kepler Bradley |
| 29 | Matthew Pavlich |
| 32 | Stephen Hill |
| 33 | Cam Sutcliffe |
| 34 | Lee Spurr |
| 37 | Michael Johnson |
| 41 | Paul Duffield |
| 46 | Clancee Pearce |
| 11 | Tom Sheridan (Emergency) |
| 38 | Jack Hannath (Emergency) |
| 27 | Lachie Neale (Emergency) |
