Defender Luke Pratt will become the fifth Fremantle player to debut this season when he plays his first game in the club’s round seven clash against Carlton on Saturday at Gold Coast Stadium.

The 19-year-old defender was today named in the line-up to take on the Blues only hours after being elevated from the rookie list to replace Rhys Palmer who, following a season-ending knee injury, is now on the long-term injury list.

Pratt, along with Greg Broughton and Matthew de Boer, becomes the third rookie to be elevated so far this season by Fremantle.

Senior coach Mark Harvey told Pratt at the team meeting before yesterday’s training session at Fremantle Oval of his elevation to the main list and that he was making his debut.

Harvey said Pratt, who was recruited from Swan Districts after being selected at pick 22 in round two of the 2007 AFL Rookie Draft.

“Luke had a shoulder reconstruction last year which kept him out of the game for a significant period. But through determination, desire and an understanding of what is required to make it at senior level, he’s earned the right to play his first AFL game,” he said.

“He is an unassuming young man and we think he will grow in stature as he gets more experience at this level.

“It’s a credit to Luke, our development coaches and strength and conditioning staff that Luke is the fifth player to make his debut in just the seventh game this season.

“It’s exciting that we will have five players in Saturday’s team that have played 8 games or less.”

Harvey said Pratt was surprised when his selection was announced yesterday in front of the playing group.

“He didn’t see it coming…so to see the look on his face and the applause of his team mates was one of those things that you treasure in a football club,” he said.

Pratt said his “heart started pumping a bit” after his selection was announced.

“I didn’t expect to play so soon but ‘Harvs’ just told me to pretty much do what I’ve been doing in the WAFL,” he said.

“After recovering from the shoulder reconstruction, I thought if I put in a good pre-season and play well in the WAFL eventually the time would come.

“Now it has, so I’m pretty happy.”