Fremantle will unveil a second debutant in 2021 when Heath Chapman runs out for Freo against GWS at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Chapman was told the news by senior coach Justin Longmuir during Thursday’s team meeting before training.
The 19-year-old was drafted by Fremantle in the first round of the 2020 NAB AFL National draft at no.14.
He starred for West Perth’s colts in 2020, captaining the side, winning their best and fairest and ranking as the no.1 key defender in the colts competition - leading the league for intercept marks and spoils.
Chapman has progressed rapidly since joining Fremantle, impressing at training and in two pre-season appearances for Peel.
He also played a half of football in Fremantle’s AAMI Community Series game against West Coast earlier this month.
Longmuir told the playing group he was thrilled to see Chapman get the call up.
“We’ve got another first gamer and it’s Chappy!” Longmuir told the playing group.
“(Heath) you get your opportunity because of your competitiveness. It’s one of your great strengths and I’ve seen it from day one.
“You’re quiet and go about your business in your own way but once you get out there on the field you compete harder than anyone.
“Your last two performances for Peel, you executed your role, you competed hard and you deserve your opportunity mate. Well done!”
Gallery: See all the photos from Thursday's training session!
A product of West Perth, Chapman has been playing footy since he was five and said he couldn’t wait to get his first taste of the AFL.
“It’s a childhood dream. Everyone wants to go out there and play on the big stage,” Chapman said.
“I’ve just got to think about it as another footy game and put my best foot forward for the team.
“(The Giants) are a team that will bring ferocious pressure. They’re hard at the footy so I’ll need to be ready to compete.”
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