Michael Walters will play his first AFL game of 2021 as he makes his return from a hamstring injury when Fremantle take on Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
The versatile forward / midfielder replaces Nat Fyfe, who is out under the AFL’s new mandatory 12-day concussion rule.
Opposition: Blue set for milestone, another to debut
It is Fremantle’s only change to the 22 that defeated GWS by 31-points last Sunday at Optus Stadium.
Tobe Watson, Liam Henry, Josh Treacy and Connor Blakely have been named as the emergencies.
Freo are set to pick one of Watson, Henry and Treacy to be the medical sub, with the trio travelling with the team, while Blakely played for Peel in the WAFL on Friday.
Not only will David Mundy lead Fremantle’s midfield in the absence of Fyfe, he will also captain the team in his 335th game.
Defender Brennan Cox will play a milestone 50th game while Eddie Betts will return for Carlton to play his 200th.
Walters is set to support the midfield in Fyfe’s absence while also playing forward.
In Friday’s media conference, Longmuir said Walters would be a direct replacement for Fyfe.
"He's itching to get out there and contribute," Longmuir said.
"He's a player who could come in and, with his experience and game sense and skill, can have an impact straight away."
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Sean Darcy has been named at centre half forward, with the ruckman rotating through the forward line with fellow ruck Lloyd Meek.
Travis Colyer, Stefan Giro, Caleb Serong and Heath Chapman will start on the interchange.
Please note that due to current broadcast rights agreements, the game will be broadcast delayed into Perth by 180 minutes, airing on 7mate from 4pm WST.
It will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo, with bounce down at 1:20pm WST.
TABtouch22 v BLUES
In: Michael Walters
Out: Nat Fyfe (concussion)
B: Ethan Hughes, Brennan Cox, Hayden Young
HB: Reece Conca, Luke Ryan, Nathan Wilson
C: James Aish, David Mundy, Blake Acres
HF: Lachie Schultz, Sean Darcy, Michael Frederick
F: Sam Switkowski, Matt Taberner, Michael Walters
R/Fol: Lloyd Meek, Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra
I: Travis Colyer, Stefan Giro, Caleb Serong, Heath Chapman
E: Connor Blakely, Liam Henry, Tobe Watson, Josh Treacy
