Fremantle Next Generation Academy graduate Josh Draper will make his AFL debut on Saturday against North Melbourne.
The Dockers confirmed Draper's inclusion for Round 2 on Thursday, with the key defender set to aid Justin Longmuir's injury-hit rearguard as Fremantle prepares to be without Oscar McDonald and Brennan Cox for a significant portion of the season.
Draper was a category B addition for the Dockers at the end of 2022, joining the club after developing through Fremantle's NGA program.
The 20-year-old played 11 games for Peel Thunder's senior side last year as well as two WAFL reserves games in his debut season.
Following a pre-season training against the likes of Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy and Luke Jackson, the 197cm defender will take on North Melbourne's attacking unit on Saturday at Marvel Stadium.
“Now I get to carry out my dream on Saturday,” Draper said in a club statement.
“I just want to do my role and be decisive, just do what I've got to do for the team and make the Freo family proud.
“Those two games against West Coast and Port (in the pre-season) were such a good experience and made me gain confidence knowing that I can go against guys at that level. It's left me in really good stead.”
Draper's inclusion will be one of at least three changes for Longmuir's Round 2 side, with Karl Worner (concussion) joining Cox (hamstring) and McDonald (knee) as expected outs.
Fremantle will name their 23-man squad at 6:20pm (AEDT) on Thursday.
