WITH the Western Bulldogs' attacking half-back line looming large, Fremantle's most defensively-minded forward is poised to make a long-awaited return to AFL footy.

In 17 games in his debut season, Chris Mayne made a name for himself as a defensive forward that chased down and tackled on instinct.

"It's immediate, there's not even a split second where he thinks about it, it just happens," development coach Steve Malaxos said of the 20-year-old's predatory instincts. 

Fremantle's forward line has missed Mayne's ruthless defensive game, Malaxos said, but a four-week program since recovering from stress fractures has the highly-rated youngster in the selection mix this week.

Mayne has played three straight games in the WAFL reserves, and would have played for Perth's league side instead on the weekend if they didn't have a bye.

His game time has progressed from 50 minutes in week one to 70 minutes in week two and finally a full 100 minutes in week three – 90 per cent of which was played onball.

"The plan in week four was to be available for AFL selection, which we've stuck to," Malaxos said.

"But because he played reserves this week that's a different question.

"Given the game time, he ticks all the boxes to be available so it'll just come down to selection now."

Malaxos said Mayne's forward pressure was something that would weigh heavily in his favour at the selection table. 

"He goes in after the ball and if he doesn't get it he makes it damn hard for the opposition to get it," he said. 

Nine first-year players represented Fremantle in the western derby, and there were only two WAFL fixtures for the weekend, leaving just five of Malaxos' men in action.

Josh Head returned to play a role in South Fremantle's big win over Subiaco and was Malaxos' pick of the Fremantle players.

Ahead of Thusday's selection, Malaxos shared his WAFL notes with fremantlefc.com.au.   

Subiaco 11.12 (78) lost to South Fremantle 14.11 (95)

Daniel Gilmore
Daniel had a reasonable game for South Fremantle. He played forward and spent some time in the ruck and finished with 22 possessions. His use of the ball was reasonable without being excellent.

Josh Head
This was his first game for quite a few weeks and he played reasonably well in defence for South Fremantle. He only played about 75 per cent of the game, which was as planned, but he acquitted himself quite well. He beat his opponent and pushed forward to kick a nice goal. When Josh is playing across half-back and he's in good form he'll usually have one or two shots on goal.

Peel Thunder 11.9 (75) lost to East Perth 19.8 (122)

Hamish Shepheard
Played ruck mainly and for a period there he would do the hit-outs and then head to centre half-forward. He continues to play a role for East Perth, which we're happy with. And we've been reasonably pleased that he's been able to perform that role. He's 18, only played Colts last year and is a typical developing player. In a lot of ways he's made a pretty good fist of things.

Chris Mayne (reserves)
Played for Peel reserves because Perth had a bye. He played onball for most of the game and performed very well despite getting tagged. He ran and carried the ball a lot and finished the game with 10-12 running bounces. That's not normally a feature of Chris' game, but it's something that we've spoken about bringing in a little bit more.

Marcus Drum (reserves)
He played for the East Perth reserves because of Perth's bye. He started well on a wing and then he was tagged. I felt that quietened him a bit in the second quarter, but in the second half he picked up and played quite well, finishing with 17 possessions and five tackles. He was good in contested situations, in the air and on the ground. He shared his time between the wing and across half-back. We haven't minded him being moved around. Fundamentally it provides a spark for him and it keeps him in the play. If and when he plays AFL for us again it could be in a number of roles.