On Sunday, Fremantle defender Alex Silvagni will play his first AFL game since last year’s Qualifying Final.
Senior coach Ross Lyon confirmed on Friday morning that Silvagni, who was included in a 25-man squad on Thursday, would play in the round 19 match against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
Silvagni has not played a senior game in 2015 after battling hamstring injuries.
He last played for Peel Thunder’s reserves side in the WAFL two weeks ago.
The key defender is a timely replacement for Zac Dawson, who accepted a two-match sanction for striking during Sunday’s win over the Giants.
“Silvagni will play,” Lyon said.
“He has trained on…he is in better physical condition than Zac is.”
Lyon said the final 22 was taking shape but would not be finalised until after Friday mornings training session.
He said Silvagni was resilient and balanced football life with other purists evenly.
“He has great character off the field and great football character,” he said.
“Alex has come from the VFL, he’s persisted and preserved, he’s really popular and a great clubman.
“He has a couple of degrees, so when things go wrong he has a balance in his life and it’s easy to stay focused.
“He is a pleasure to coach.”
The final TABtouch 22 will be announced at 3pm at fremantlefc.com.au.
