Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon says it has been priceless experience for a number of young players to play AFL football this season.
Last round against Gold Coast, tall Jack Hannath played his first game this season while defender Alex Pearce played just his third game of AFL, after debuting in Round 6.
The versatile Tendai Mzungu played just his second game of the year while youngsters Hayden Crozier and Tommy Sheridan have a few games under their belts in 2015.
Match Preview: Fremantle v Collingwood
Fremantle has played 27 players this season and Lyon said giving young players experience in the top league is invaluable for them and the side.
“The fundamental thing we did like was getting a couple of players exposed to senior footy that hadn’t yet,” he said.
“Crozier has played the last two, Sheridan has played consistently as a starting player and Alex Pearce came back in.”
The opportunities for the younger players came at the omission of experienced pair Zac Clarke and Paul Duffield, who played for Peel Thunder in the WAFL.
Lyon praised the pair for their attitude after missing the Gold Coast game.
“It’s a hard thing to go back, at the end of the day you’ve been demoted,” he said.
“Their attitude was first class.
“Peel had a really good win and they were significant contributors."
Fremantle play Collingwood at Domain Stadium on Thursday 25 June. Bounce down is at 6.10pm.
