Fremantle have confirmed their extended squad of 26 to take on the Western Bulldogs in the Club’s final home and away match of the season this Sunday at Marvel Stadium.
Hayden Young has been named in the centre, alongside Corey Wagner and Jaeger O’Meara on the wings.
Oscar McDonald and Brandon Walker headline the other two potential inclusions, both named on the Club’s extended bench alongside Jye Amiss, Bailey Banfield, Neil Erasmus, Nat Fyfe, Nathan O’Driscoll, and Murphy Reid.
Young last played in the Club’s Round 21 win over Carlton, after being subbed out with a groin injury and missing the following two games.
Walker’s last AFL appearance was in Round 2 against the Swans when he dislocated his shoulder.
The running defender returned via the WAFL, making seven League appearances for Peel Thunder where he has averaged 15.1 disposals, 3.7 marks, 3.2 tackles and has kicked a goal.
McDonald has played seven AFL games in 2025, six of those being in wins. His last AFL appearance was in the Club’s Round 21 win over Carlton.
Speaking at his Wednesday morning media conference, senior coach Justin Longmuir said that beating the Bulldogs at the source would be key on Sunday.
“Winning at the contest helps. People talk about their (the Bulldogs’) ball use, but that comes off the back of winning contests and getting it on the outside,” Longmuir said.
“They’re a good clearance and contest team. They squeeze down, defend the game, and play it in their front half, which creates more scoring opportunities.
“You’ve got to get it done at the source against them. I think they beat someone by 51 in contested possessions a few weeks ago, so that’s not going to get it done.
“We’ve got to get our hands on it and get it going our way.”
When Fremantle and the Bulldogs met earlier in the year in Round 4, Fremantle prevailed by 16 points despite conceding 19 more inside 50s on the day.
Freo hold a 2-1 record against the Bulldogs across the two Clubs' past three meetings.
A win on Sunday would guarantee the Club a spot in the top eight and finals, while a loss would see Freo relying on other results to determine whether they play finals for the first time since 2022.
Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs will bounce down at 3.15pm EST at Marvel Stadium.
The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy, and streamed live on Kayo, Binge, and 7plus from 3.00pm EST
Fremantle’s final team will be announced at 3.00pm WST on Friday at fremantlefc.com.au.
The tactical substitute for Sunday will be confirmed one hour before the bounce.
