Shane Yarran will make his debut against the Gold Coast Suns this Saturday at Metricon Stadium.

Yarran, who was drafted with pick 61 in last year’s national draft, said he would achieve a lifelong goal, when he takes to the field on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s a childhood dream, to play AFL footy,” he said.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to achieve.”

“I got on the phone straight way and told the partner.

“Mum and dad are obviously aware about it, so they’re going to travel over with us and watch my debut.”

Yarran boasts strong hands overhead, clean skills and quick turn of pace – traits that earned him the Bernie Naylor medal as the WAFL’s leading goal-kicker for 2015.

Match preview v Gold Coast

The 27-year-old, who injured his knee playing in last year’s WAFL Grand Final for eventual premiers Subiaco, has also had to deal with persistent calf problems. 

But Yarran said his dedication towards playing AFL football never waned.

“It’s obviously been a long road for me and I had the calf setbacks, but you stick to your guns and you keep going.”

In five matches for Peel, including the last four in a row, Yarran has booted six goals in challenging conditions.

The forward will become the ninth debutant for Fremantle since Alex Pearce played his first senior game in round six last year.

Fremantle play the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on Saturday. Bounce down is at 12:10pm, WST.