Fremantle have made two changes for Sunday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns, including the omission of Michael Walters due to a foot injury.
Small forward Liam Henry will replace Walters up front while leader Reece Conca returns from a minor hamstring injury and replaces defender Tobe Watson (omitted).
Watson, Travis Colyer, Luke Valente and Hugh Dixon are the emergencies for the game.
Conca last played in Fremantle’s win against Melbourne while Henry has two games to his name in his debut season against Sydney and GWS.
General manager of football Peter Bell said he was hopeful Walters would avoid surgery.
“Michael presented with some foot soreness during the week,” Bell said.
“We sent him off for a scan and it indicated some ligament damage to his right foot. That means he’s going to have to wear a weight-bearing boot for a couple of weeks.
“It’s unlikely he will be able to do any running or anything like that for a further six weeks, but the good news is there won’t be any surgical intervention required at this stage.”
Meanwhile the Bulldogs have made two changes. Easton Wood and Patrick Lipinski come in for Matthew Suckling (injured) and Toby McLean (injured).
Bounce down for the clash is at 4.10pm AWST (6.10pm local time) and will be broadcast live into WA on Fox Footy and 7mate.
It can also be streamed on AFL Live Pass and Kayo.
Click here to view both team line-ups.
TEAM v BULLDOGS
IN: Conca, Henry
OUT: Walters (injured), Watson (omitted)
B: Reece Conca, Brennan Cox, Nathan Wilson
HB: Stephen Hill, Luke Ryan, Taylin Duman
C: Adam Cerra, Nat Fyfe, James Aish
HF: David Mundy, Matt Taberner, Mitch Crowden
F: Lachie Schultz, Rory Lobb, Jesse Hogan
R/Fol: Sean Darcy, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw
I: Michael Frederick, Blake Acres, Ethan Hughes, Liam Henry
E: Travis Colyer, Luke Valente, Tobe Watson, Hugh Dixon
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Easton Wood, Alex Keath, Caleb Daniel
HB: Bailey Williams, Ryan Gardner, Hayden Crozier
C: Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae, Jason Johannisen
HF: Ed Richards, Josh Bruce, Mitch Wallis
F: Tom Liberatore, Aaron Naughton, Lachie Hunter
R/Fol: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Josh Dunkley
I: Zaine Cordy, Taylor Duryea, Pat Lipinski, Roarke Smith
E: Jackson Trengove, Ben Cavarra, Bailey Dale, Jordon Sweet
