Forward Sam Sturt and midfielder James Aish will make their club debuts when Freo take on Essendon this Saturday at Marvel Stadium.

Senior coach Justin Longmuir confirmed the selection of the pair after Wednesday’s training session at Optus Stadium.

Share label.close Share This Video Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on WhatsApp

Copy link Link copied to clipboard Sam Sturt to debut! WATCH the moment Justin Longmuir told Sam Sturt his AFL dream would come true. And, the phone call to Sturty's parents.

Taken at pick 17, Sturt was Fremantle’s top selection in the 2018 NAB National Draft and has been named at half forward.

Aish was traded to Fremantle from Collingwood during the 2019 Telstra AFL Trade Period and has been named on the wing along with Brett Bewley.

Brennan Cox has been named across half back after making the transition from the forward line to defence, while Luke Ryan looks to return to the back six for his 50th AFL game after missing Fremantle’s second Marsh Community Series game with back soreness.

Share label.close Share This Video Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on WhatsApp

Copy link Link copied to clipboard 'We're well prepared.' | Longmuir Justin Longmuir spoke to the media ahead of round one on Saturday.

Through the middle, Nat Fyfe will be running alongside some of Freo’s young guns in Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Darcy Tucker.

Rory Lobb will start the game at full forward after impressing with his marking ability throughout pre-season and will likely rotate with Sean Darcy, who has brushed off any injury concerns to line up in the ruck.

TEAM v ESSENDON

Backs: Luke Ryan, Griffin Logue, Ethan Hughes

Half-backs: Reece Conca, Brennan Cox, Taylin Duman

Centre: Brett Bewley, Nat Fyfe, James Aish

Half-forwards: Sam Sturt, Matt Taberner, Bailey Banfield

Full forwards: Travis Colyer, Rory Lobb, Michael Walters

Ruck/followers: Sean Darcy, Darcy Tucker, Andrew Brayshaw

Interchange: Adam Cerra, Lachie Schultz, Mitchell Crowden, Cam McCarthy

Emergencies: Caleb Serong, Connor Blakely, Tobe Watson, Brandon Matera

Bouncedown for the lockout clash is at 11.10am (WST) on Saturday and the game will be broadcast live into Perth on Channel 7 and nationally on Foxtel. The match will also be streamed live via Kayo and AFL Live Pass.

2020 broadcast guide