Small forward Sam Switkowski will become Fremantle’s eighth debutant in 2018 when he runs out for Freo against Carlton on Sunday at Optus Stadium. 

The 21-year-old, who joined Fremantle as a mature aged recruit with pick no.73 in the 2017 NAB AFL National Draft, is one of five changes against the Blues, joining Tommy Sheridan, Taylin Duman, Ryan Nyhuis and Stefan Giro in the lineup. 

Andrew Brayshaw (jaw), Stephen Hill (quad), Darcy Tucker (back), Brandon Matera and Mitch Crowden are Fremantle’s omissions.

Switkowski, who collected 19 disposals and seven tackles against East Perth last Saturday, is expected to come in and play a pressure forward role, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.

“Sam’s a quick, hard-running and committed pressure forward,” Lyon said. 

“He’s very level-headed, very committed (and) he’s been a pleasure to have at the place and he’s held himself together.

“He would play in the front half as a small forward with really good speed, really good repeat effort and really good commitment to the defensive actions - which the best teams are featuring, if you think of Richmond in particular.”

Both Sheridan and Giro come in after impressing for Peel in the midfield against East Perth.

Sheridan collected 39 disposals and laid 10 tackles while the rookie-listed Giro has 27 disposals and five inside 50s.

Nyhuis returns to Fremantle’s 22 after serving a three-game suspension for rough conduct following Freo’s clash with Port Adelaide in round 17.

Fremantle’s eight debutants in 2018 are the most in the AFL this season. Fremantle's debutants to date have played 83 games in 2018, 12 more than any other AFL club and more than double the average of 39.

Tucker, Matera, Scott Jones and Shane Kersten are Fremantle’s emergencies.

Bouncedown for the clash is at 2.40pm WST.