Fremantle returned to the winners’ books last night with a 21-point win over Hawthorn in the NAB Challenge match at Subiaco Oval.

The win was achieved despite a host of senior players missing from the line-up, including Captain Matthew Pavlich, Vice Captain Josh Carr, Heath Black, Paul Hasleby, Jeff Farmer, Dean Solomon, Aaron Sandilands, Justin Longmuir, Antoni Grover, Roger Hayden, Luke McPharlin, Byron Schammer, Steven Dodd, Scott Thornton, and Marcus Drum.

With the experienced campaigners out of the team, the club’s younger brigade had a chance to show their wares on the AFL stage and didn’t disappoint.

Adam Campbell booted three majors to be the team’s leading goalkicker, while 2006 National Draft selection Calib Mourish celebrated his first game in Fremantle colours with two goals, his first coming from a set shot deep in the forward pocket.

With Sandilands and Longmuir rested, and Robert Warnock recovering from injury, Daniel Gilmore seized the opportunity to have an extended run in the ruck, with assistance from Michael Johnson. Benet Copping performed solidly in defence, and Garrick Ibbotson booted the opening goal of the night with a terrific dash forward.

Fremantle Senior Coach Chris Connolly says the performance of the younger players in challenging conditions was pleasing.

“It was a big challenge for a lot of the young players to come into a game like this,” he said.

“There was a lot of pressure, but that was really good for them, and I think they would have learned a lot from today.”

Veterans Shane Parker, Troy Cook, and Robbie Haddrill stepped out for their first senior match of the pre-season and all three emerged unscathed and better for a run under their belt.

Des Headland led the team onto the ground for the first time as skipper, and his night started on a positive note by winning the toss.

Fremantle rounds out its NAB Challenge program next Friday night against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.