Fremantle will unveil a western derby debutant in Sunday’s conflict towards West Coast at Optus Stadium.
Second-year midfielder Matthew Johnson is ready for his first style of AFL motion on the again of robust type for the membership’s WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder.
Dockers coach Justin Longmuir confirmed Johnson will act because the tactical sub.
Playing a mixture of inside midfield and wing, the 20-year-old amassed a game-high 38 possessions towards his previous membership Subiaco a fortnight in the past.
He follows within the footsteps of Subiaco colts premiership teammate Neil Erasmus, who made his debut within the early derby final season, and can change into the 240th participant to symbolize Fremantle at AFL degree.
The 192cm midfielder, taken with decide 21 within the 2021 nationwide draft, has drawn comparisons with Dockers games-record holder David Mundy due to his facet, potential to run all day and elite disposal.
Longmuir stated he’d been eager to get Johnson into the facet “for a while”.
“We’ve been keen to get him in for a while. His body is up to AFL standard and his performances at Peel have been really strong. He’s deserving of his opportunity,” Longmuir stated.
Longmuir introduced Johnson’s debut to the enjoying group on Friday morning forward of the derby press convention.
“I’m excited to announce that we have got a debutant this week,” Longmuir stated to the enjoying group. “Johnno, you’ve got labored so onerous and I don’t reckon you had an low season. You hit the fitness center, you started working along with your working and had a monstrous pre-season. “You have been banging the door down for a few weeks now, and I like what you’ve got been doing at Peel.
Johnson is considered one of three gamers from WA’s draft class of 2021 getting a debut this weekend alongside Claremont pair Arthur Jones (Western Bulldogs) and Jacob van Rooyen (Melbourne).
The Dockers can be trying to bounce again from a disappointing a 0-2 begin towards their cross-town rivals.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
