Fremantle midfielder Matthew Johnson will debut for the Dockers against the West Coast Eagles in this Sunday's Western Derby.
The 20-year-old, originating from Subiaco, was selected with Pick 21 by Fremantle in the 2021 National Draft.
The club confirmed its first debutant of the season on Friday afternoon.
Biding his time in the WAFL last season, Johnson played 14 games for Peel Thunder, registering per-game averages of 17.0 disposals, 2.9 tackles and 4.3 tackles.
Following a 0-2 start to the 2023 season during which the Dockers have looked sluggish and unexciting, an injection of youth appears to be the route coach Justin Longmuir has chosen with the inclusion of Johnson.
Speaking during his Friday press conference, Longmuir claimed that while Johnson was "deserving of his opportunity", his debut would be made off the bench as the Dockers' tactical sub.
Justin Longmuir opens the #RACDerby presser...
"Matty Johnson comes into the side as the sub. We've been keen to get him in for a while. His body is up to AFL standard and his performances at Peel have been really strong. He's deserving of his opportunity."#foreverfreo
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) March 31, 2023
Brandon Walker and Nathan O'Driscoll were the other inclusions to Thursday's squad, with Sunday's final teams to be confirmed on Friday at 5:00 PM.
Fremantle battles West Coast on Sunday, April 2 (3:20 PM AWDT).
