Fremantle have three potential debutants for the RAC Derby at Optus Stadium on Sunday, with midfielder Michael Frederick, defender Tobe Watson and ruckman Lloyd Meek all named in the extended squad.
The trio are joined by defender Brennan Cox, midfielder Connor Blakely and small forward Brandon Matera as Freo’s six inclusions into the squad of 26.
Injured pair Nat Fyfe (hamstring) and Hayden Young (ankle) are Freo’s omissions at this stage.
Cox is the most likely inclusion of the six, with the 21-year-old only needing to prove his fitness to earn selection.
At 195cm, Cox will add some much needed height to Freo’s backline that is missing key backs Joel Hamling, Alex Pearce and Griffin Logue.
Frederick, Watson and Meek have all impressed in recent scratch matches for non-selected players.
Last Friday against Gold Coast, Frederick kicked three goals on the wing while Meek played the full game in the ruck and was an aerial threat around the ground.
Blakely hasn’t played since round 23 last season and has been one of Freo’s strongest in the midfield in the scratch matches.
Matera has kicked a goal in each of his three AFL appearances this season between rounds two and four.
Fremantle will name the final 22 on Friday at 3pm on fremantlefc.com.au.
Bounce down for the clash is at 4.35 pm and will be broadcast live into WA on Channel 7 and Fox Footy.
It can also be streamed on Kayo and AFL Live Pass.
The game will be the club’s first home game at Optus Stadium in 2020 and will function differently than a traditional Fremantle game day due to the cap on attendance and Covid-19 protocols.
The club will communicate all necessary information with members and publish match day information on fremantlefc.com.au on Friday.
SQUAD v WEST COAST
Backs: James Aish, Brennan Cox, Ethan Hughes
Half backs: Stephen Hill, Luke Ryan, Nathan Wilson
Centre: Adam Cerra, Darcy Tucker, Blake Acres
Half forwards: Lachie Schultz, Rory Lobb, Brett Bewley
Forwards: Travis Colyer, Matt Taberner, Michael Walters
Ruck/followers: Sean Darcy, David Mundy, Andrew Brayshaw
Interchange: Lloyd Meek, Bailey Banfield, Caleb Serong, Michael Frederick, Brandon Matera, Connor Blakely, Tobe Watson, Taylin Duman
