Fremantle forward Josh Corbett is the Club’s fifth debutant of 2023, named as the tactical sub for Friday night’s Len Hall Tribute Game against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.
There are no late changes to the Fremantle line-up, while the Bulldogs have named Lachlan McNeil as their tactical sub.
Corbett follows Club debutants Luke Jackson, Jaeger O’Meara and Corey Wagner – while Matthew Johnson also made his AFL debut in the round three RAC Derby.
Fremantle snared the key forward in a trade with Gold Coast late last year, where the 26-year-old tallied 33 games from four seasons - including a promising 2021 where he kicked 23 goals from 16 games.
He struggled for opportunity in 2022, missing nine weeks with a hip complaint and playing four games at AFL level, but was significant in the Suns’ push to the VFL preliminary final kicking 25 goals from 12 games.
Corbett praised the strong depth in Fremantle’s list that has seen a number of fresh faces don the purple so far this season.
“I’m just absolutely stoked, it was an amazing surprise, I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Corbett said.
“(The number of debutants so far this season) just shows a lot of the depth we have at the Club and a lot of the boys have been able to put their hands up consistently week in and week out.
“I’m very honoured to get the opportunity to represent a second club in the AFL and hopefully I can make them proud.”
Ironically, Corbett’s AFL debut for the Suns was also played on ANZAC weekend back in 2019.
The Len Hall clash with the Dogs will also mark Corbett’s first ever Friday night game in his AFL career, with his parents and wife Mikayla set to be in the Optus Stadium crowd to cheer him on.
“My friends and family are really excited for me - they were absolutely stoked and there were definitely a few tears,” Corbett said.
“My parents had the mad scramble to get organised and get over to Perth, but they were really proud of me and I’m just lucky to have their support.”
Corbett has provided a strong aerial presence inside 50 for Peel Thunder across the WAFL’s opening two rounds, taking 14 marks and kicking three goals over the past fortnight.
“Peel Thunder has that fantastic community feel, and it reminds me of my hometown in Warrnambool in South-West Victoria,” Corbett said.
“A lot of the community get down and support the team and personally I feel like I have been pretty consistent the last couple of weeks and then obviously in the practice matches before that as well.
“Full credit to the coaching staff and the boys down there, they have made it so welcoming which has allowed me to play my best football and put my hand up for senior selection.”
Fremantle’s return to the Friday Night stage coincides with the Club’s annual Len Hall Tribute Game, which will recognise Australia’s Vietnam veterans to mark the 50th anniversary of the country’s withdrawal from the Vietnam War.
Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and get to the game earlier to ensure they are in their seats for the 6pm Observance Ceremony ahead of the first bounce.
Bouncedown for the Friday night primetime clash is at 6.10pm WST and will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network and Fox Footy, as well as streamed live on Kayo.
TEAM v WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Brennan Cox, Alex Pearce, Hayden Young
HB: Jordan Clark, Luke Ryan, Brandon Walker
C: James Aish, Will Brodie, Ethan Hughes
HF: Michael Walters, Luke Jackson, Bailey Banfield
F: Lachie Schultz, Jye Amiss, Michael Frederick
R/Fol: Sean Darcy, Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong
I: Sam Sturt, Jaeger O'Meara, Matthew Johnson, Corey Wagner
S: Josh Corbett
E: Nathan O’Driscoll, Josh Draper, Neil Erasmus
