Fremantle have added five players to an extended TABtouch squad of 26 for Sunday’s Western Derby at Optus Stadium.
Michael Johnson looms as the most likely inclusion, joining Ethan Hughes, Tommy Sheridan, Shane Kersten and first-year ruckman Scott Jones as Freo’s potential ins.
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Johnson was managed for Freo’s round five clash with the Western Bulldogs after playing the opening four games of the 2018 season, averaging 15.5 disposals and 6.5 marks per game.
Fremantle have named one omission at this stage, with Matt Taberner out with a foot injury sustained against the Bulldogs.
The 195cm Johnson is likely to take on the support ruck role left vacant by Taberner.
If Jones is selected in the final 22 on Friday afternoon, he would become Freo’s sixth debutant in 2018.
A mature aged pick from East Perth, the 23-year-old has shared the ruck duties through three appearances for Peel in 2018.
Defender Ethan Hughes and forward Shane Kersten are in line to play their first and second games respectively of 2018.
Hughes played 18 games for Fremantle in 2017 and has impressed at WAFL level, averaging 21.3 disposals and 7.7 marks this season.
Kersten has made a switch to the backline at Peel where he has averaged 7.3 marks per game however, he could be called upon to return to a forward role as Taberner's replacement.
Sheridan has played two AFL games this season with 14 disposals in round three against Gold Coast and 11 disposals in round four against GWS.
The final team will be announced on Friday afternoon on fremantlefc.com.au at 2pm WST.
