Fremantle will have up to six players pull on the Freo jumper for the first time on Saturday in their JLT Community Series opener against West Coast in Geraldton, and assistant coach Michael Prior is excited to see what they can bring to the side.

Of the 10 new faces brought in during the Trade and Draft periods, signings Cam McCarthy, Bradley Hill, Joel Hamling and Shane Kersten, and draftees Sean Darcy and Brennan Cox, will get to test themselves at Wonthella Oval. 

Prior hailed the pre-season efforts of Fremantle’s four trade acquisitions, who have all settled in after returning to their home state.

“We’ve got the four Western Australian boys who have come across,” Prior said.

“They’ve all trained really well and fitted in with the group, so we’re interested to see what they offer us tomorrow.

“If training form is anything to go on, they’re going to give us a real spike.”

Prior was upbeat about McCarthy, who was traded to Fremantle from GWS after a year out of the game, where he spent some of his time in Perth training with South Fremantle.

“Since (Cam’s) come into the club, we can’t fault him,” Prior said.

“His training’s been really good, and even his training last year when he wasn’t playing.

“Speaking to (head coach) Todd Curley at South Fremantle, Cam was outstanding there. We hope he hits the ground running tomorrow and shows a bit, as he’s been out for a long time.” 

Alongside McCarthy, Nat Fyfe and Michael Johnson will make their first senior appearances after a lengthy period on the sidelines.

Fyfe and Johnson both suffered season-ending injuries in round five against Carlton, and will play their first game of footy since April. 

“Their training suggests that they’re going to go ok,” Prior said.

“We’re really pleased with what they’ve delivered so far. They’ve haven’t played footy for a long time, we understand that. There’s no expectations, it’s just to get out there and to get through a game.”

While three players from the squad of 29 will not play in Geraldton, Prior is hopeful both of Fremantle’s new draftees will make an appearance.

With both Aaron Sandilands and Zac Clarke on the sidelines through injury, Prior expects ruck prospect Sean Darcy to play an important role.

“Sean’s been really impressive,” Prior said.

“His follow up around stoppages has been sensational. He’s got himself really fit - he’s coming in a bit underdone, but that’s to be expected.

“After what he’s shown us on the training track, he’s going to be a serious AFL player.

“Sean will get a run and John Griffin is going to be our lead ruckman. He’s been really good for us over the summer and Aaron’s not too far away.”

After a playing in a variety of positions in his draft year, Prior says Cox is expected to get a run up front.

“Brennan’s a defender and we’ve got an abundance of defenders at the moment,” Prior said.

“So we’ve tested him up forward and have really liked what we’ve seen, so he might get an opportunity as a forward.”