Fremantle have made five changes for Sunday’s clash with Collingwood at Optus Stadium highlighted by the return of captain Nat Fyfe from a hamstring injury.
The midfielder will play his first game since round six and is joined by defender Brennan Cox, forward Travis Colyer and fellow midfielders Connor Blakely and Mitch Crowden.
They replace Michael Walters (hamstring), Darcy Tucker (hamstring), James Aish (concussion), Blake Acres (omitted) and Bailey Banfield (omitted).
Banfield, Tom North, Luke Valente and Lloyd Meek have been named as the emergencies.
Crowden will play his first game since the AFL’s mandatory shut down period against Essendon in round one in March.
The 21-year-old has impressed in his recent scratch match appearances, including a standout effort in the midfield last week against Geelong, where he racked up six clearances in the final term.
Colyer was also impressed in the scratch match and returns after his omission in round eight.
In his weekly media conference on Friday, senior coach Justin Longmuir confirmed that Blakely would play his first game in 2020.
“I’m really keen to give Connor a go, we will lose a couple of midfielders this weekend. He’ll get his opportunity on ball where he’s been training, where he can play to his strengths and execute his role,” Longmuir said.
“I think he’s a better player than what he was eight weeks ago and that’s on the back of his dedication to get the most out of everything he’s doing. I’m really excited for him to get his opportunity.”
Fyfe and Cox will play after getting through Friday’s training session. Both players trained well and appeared to have recovered full from their injuries.
Meanwhile Collingwood have also made five changes. Brayden Sier, Jack Madgen, Mark Keane, Steele Sidebottom and Travis Varcoe come in for Atu Bosenavulagi, Callum Brown, Jordan Roughead, Matthew Sharenberg and Rupert Wills.
Bounce down for the clash is at 4.10pm and will be broadcast live on 7mate and Fox Footy.
The match can also be streamed live via Kayo and AFL Live Pass.
