Sam Sturt has passed the first hurdle to earning his debut after senior coach Justin Longmuir confirmed he would play against Essendon on Saturday at Marvel Stadium.

The 19-year-old was told the news to the cheers of his teammates after training at Optus Stadium on Wednesday.

At the time, the players were nervously awaiting news on whether round one would still go ahead, with the AFL later that evening confirming the league would endeavour to play the opening round.

Longmuir also confirmed new recruit James Aish was set to play his first game for the club.

“The best thing I get to do as a coach is to welcome new people to the footy club and offer opportunity,” Longmuir told the group.

“And ‘Aishey’ will play his first game for the club this week. You made an impact as soon as you came, mate. Welcome, and you’ve had a great pre-season.

“I know ‘Sturtey’ is a bit of a nervous customer, so on purpose I’ve avoided you since training and no eye contact.

“Mate, you’ve had a great pre-season, you’ve improved in a lot of areas, all areas of your game, the defensive pressure you’ve brought through the Marsh series was fantastic and the offence will come.

“You’ve thoroughly enjoyed your opportunity. So get out there, play to your strengths and well done.” 

Longmuir said he expects a number of Freo Dockers to be disappointed to miss selection after impressive summers.

“We’ll announce the rest of the team tomorrow. I know there’s going to be a lot of guys who will be disappointed not to get in the team,” Longmuir said.

“That shows that as a list, we’re in really good shape.

“We’ve got guys who deserve opportunities from the pre-seasons they’ve had. 

“But be patient, opportunities will come throughout the year hopefully, if we play, we’ve just got to be ready to take them.

“Make sure that your attitude remains process orientated in what you need to do and what you need to work on to achieve and be ready when the opportunity comes.”