A number of Fremantle’s 2014 draftees have put their hand up for selection in the AFL side but they will need to be patient, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.

Lachie Weller (pick 13), Connor Blakely (pick 34) and Ed Langdon (pick 53) have performed well for Peel Thunder in the WAFL this year and are in the mix to play AFL in coming weeks.

Lyon said Fremantle had a history of playing its draftees but given it was sitting on top of the ladder it would be tough for a young player to break into the side.

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“I think we’ve shown our draftees over the last few years have played,” he said.

“(They’re) going to have to show some patience.

“That’s the reality of when you’re a top four team.”

Fremantle has debuted one player this year, young defender Alex Pearce, who has held his spot.

Lyon said Weller was close to debuting last week against Carlton with David Mundy battling illness leading into the match.

He said a number of players were in the mix to travel to Melbourne to play Richmond on Saturday.

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“We had a really good performance at Peel,” he said.

“We could name six or seven we could work through.

“We’ll probably fly three emergencies over because they can fly back and play for Peel.”

Fremantle play Richmond at the MCG on Saturday July 25. Bounce down is at 4.35pm local time.