Clayton has had an impressive start to the season with Swan Districts in the WAFL, and his debut comes after a solid performance against Subiaco last weekend where he picked up 23 possessions, seven marks and a goal across the midfield which is where he will line up for Fremantle against the Crows.
Clayton, an exceptionally quick midfielder, was Fremantle’s second round selection (No. 24 overall) in the 2007 National Draft. He was drafted from the North Ballarat Rebels and represented Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in 2007.
The trip across to Adelaide will also be the first away trip for Clayton, as well as Rhys Palmer and Chris Mayne who have played their three senior games at Subiaco Oval.
As promised, Senior Coach Mark Harvey has made a number of selection changes after the clubs loss at the hands of Richmond last weekend.
Michael Johnson returns after a week off due to calf soreness, Shaun McManus is back from a calf tear and a good performance with East Fremantle, while Matthew Carr is also recalled after an impressive match for the Sharks. Marcus Drum has also been named to play his first AFL game for 2008 after consistent form in the WAFL with Perth.
The five inclusions come at the expense of Paul Duffield, Brett Peake, Chris Tarrant and Robert Warnock who have all been omitted, while Des Headland will miss the match after a knock to the knee last weekend.
“We will be taking 23 over to Adelaide and there will be some young players coming in, Clayton Hinkley and Marcus Drum, which we are excited about,” said Peter German from the airport on the team’s departure today.
“Clayton shapes as a real talent of the future for Fremantle and just like our recent debutants in Rhys Palmer and Chris Mayne, Clayton will bring run, pace and hopefully a real determined attitude as well.
“He’s an exciting kid and it’s just great to see kids get the opportunity to play senior football,” he said.
Round 5 – Saturday 19 April
Fremantle vs. Adelaide
AAMI Stadium 1.10pm (CST)
Fremantle Team – Round 5 v Adelaide
B: Dodd, Grover, Hayden
HB: Crowley, McPharlin, Thornton
C: Mundy, Palmer, Hinkley
HF: Mayne, Mi Johnson, Solomon
F: Bell, Pavlich, Farmer
FOLL: Sandilands, Schammer, McManus
I/C: Drum, Gilmore, J. Carr, M.Carr
Emergencies: O’Brien, Ibbotson, Murphy
In: Michael Johnson
Matthew Carr
Shaun McManus
Marcus Drum
Clayton Hinkley
Out: Des Headland (inj)
Chris Tarrant
Robert Warnock
Paul Duffield
Brett Peake
NEW PLAYERS:
First Game for Fremantle/ AFL Debut:
Clayton Hinkley - will make his AFL Debut. Clayton was drafted from the North Ballarat Rebels and represented Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in 2007. Clayton was selection number 24 in the 2007 National Draft.
MILESTONES:
Most Games WA player
Peter Bell will play his 278th game this week, which will see him become the WA player with the most VFL/AFL games in history, surpassing the previous mark of 277 games by Wayne Richardson (Collingwood).
