It’s confirmed – Michael Walters will return in Sunday’s game against Hawthorn at Patersons Stadium.



The small forward was named in Freo’s final 22, along with defender Alex Silvagni and midfielder Tendai Mzungu.



Going out from the team that lost in Geelong was Luke McPharlin with a calf injury, while Matt de Boer and Nick Suban were omitted.



De Boer and Suban will be the emergencies along with Matt Taberner.



General manager of football operations Chris Bond said Walters’ inclusion was exciting for the club and the fans.



“He’s had a long break but his work rate has been extremely hard throughout his rehab and he was able to come in the game last week for Peel and tick all the boxes,” he said.



He’s trained really well for a period of time now and got over the soreness of last week’s game and completed all training this week.



“We’re looking forward to him playing.”



Bond said Mzungu was a crucial inclusion.



“He’s a really important player for us," he said.



“He hasn’t missed a lot of footy over the past three years at all but he was able to get through training all week.



“It was precautionary last time that he missed, but it was important that he did and we’re really pleased with his form on the track.”



Bond said Luke McPharlin’s absence was disappointing for the All Australian defender.



“He’s had issues before in regards to his calf, but we’re really confident, and speaking to Luke he’s really confident of getting through the rehab for the next couple of weeks and giving himself a good charge for the rest of the year,” he said.



But Bond added that Silvagni had showed he was capable of filling the role in defence.



“We have seen that with Alex,” he said.



“We’ve been really pleased with his form at WAFL level since he’s come back from a bit of an injury and we know the way he goes about his football.



“He’ll be giving everything for the team on Sunday.”



Bond said omitted pair de Boer and Suban would have to go back and find form at WAFL level.



“It’s disappointing to lose two players who are very committed and their work rate is really high,” he said.



“Both players will need to go back and get some form. They understand that and accept that and we’re looking forward to them pushing for selection in the near future.”