Senior coach Justin Longmuir is open to making midfield changes at the selection table as Fremantle come up against the emerging Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
Both Connor Blakely and no.8 pick Caleb Serong are waiting in the wings should Longmuir decide to switch things up against the Suns.
Blakely has shown promise as both as a mid and half back in his five seasons at Fremantle, but hasn’t played since round 23 last season.
19-year-old Serong has shone at training, with his debut at AFL level seemingly only a matter of time.
Longmuir said Freo’s engine room disappointed in the second quarter against Port Adelaide on Sunday, where the Power piled on five goals to none.
“(Blakely) will come into the mix this week,” Longmuir told Seven News.
“I’ve been really happy with our midfield mix, we’ve got some youth, we’ve got some experience in there at the moment.
“I thought they had their colours lowered a little bit, especially in that second quarter at the weekend so Connor will come into consideration, as will Caleb Serong.”
Longmuir has been pleased with Sean Darcy’s quick recovery from a minor knee injury, and is hopeful the ruck will be available for round four.
“It’s looking really positive at the moment. Clearly Sean’s got to get through main training,” Longmuir said.
“He hasn’t done a lot on that knee yet but it’s improving by the day. I saw him out there running today and he ran really well. He’s come along a lot quicker than expected.”
Stephen Hill is a test to face the Gold Coast after picking up a cork at training last Thursday, but Longmuir believes the defender/midfielder will be good to go.
“Hilly will be available for selection,” Longmuir said.
“He’s getting around the park really well at the moment.
“Blake Acres (calf) will be another week and Sam Sturt obviously rolled his ankle on the weekend, so we’re expecting him to miss a few games of footy. Around three to five weeks at this stage.”
Earlier on Tuesday the WA Government confirmed that Fremantle would be able to home quarantine when they return to Perth.
“It is really important for us to be able to get home and see our families,” Longmuir said.
“We’re still working on the details of what that home quarantine looks like but it’s important to get home.”
