And in good news for the explosive midfielder, Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says he won't be constrained by any romantic notions of a home-ground comeback for Morabito when picking Fremantle's 22 to face Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.
Morabito has not played AFL football since the 2010 semi-final, having endured three knee reconstructions since. But he put himself in the frame for selection with 28 disposals, 10 inside 50s, and three goals in Peel Thunder's 25-point loss to East Fremantle.
An opening in the Fremantle side could present itself as All Australian defender Michael Johnson is likely to miss two to four weeks with a medial ligament strain.
Following the Dockers' 40-point win over Adelaide on Sunday Lyon said replacing Johnson was a difficult task but he mentioned Morabito as an option.
"Anthony Morabito played a terrific game at East Fremantle in that sort of (half-back) role and a wing," Lyon said.
"Alex Silvagni is a key defender but we always prepare for the opposition.
"So depending on what we need is what we pick."
When Lyon was pressed further on Morabito's chances he made no guarantees.
"I wouldn't say next week," Lyon said.
"I'm just saying he played very well. We've got a bit down (at Peel) pushing up.
"(Hayden) Crozier played well, (Colin) Sylvia played well, Alex Silvagni, Brady Grey, (Matt) Taberner played really well so we've got some pressure on for spots."
Lyon was also asked whether he was tempted to ensure that Morabito's comeback match, if and when it came, was in front of his home crowd rather than on the road.
Lyon believed the 22-year-old wouldn't care where it was.
In further good news for Fremantle, high profile off-season recruit Scott Gumbleton made a successful return from his long-term hamstring injury in the WAFL.
Gumbleton had not played since tearing his hamstring in the NAB Challenge on February 26 but he got through the WAFL match unscathed, gathering nine touches, seven marks, and kicking 1.1.
Morabito has not played AFL football since the 2010 semi-final, having endured three knee reconstructions since. But he put himself in the frame for selection with 28 disposals, 10 inside 50s, and three goals in Peel Thunder's 25-point loss to East Fremantle.
An opening in the Fremantle side could present itself as All Australian defender Michael Johnson is likely to miss two to four weeks with a medial ligament strain.
Following the Dockers' 40-point win over Adelaide on Sunday Lyon said replacing Johnson was a difficult task but he mentioned Morabito as an option.
"Anthony Morabito played a terrific game at East Fremantle in that sort of (half-back) role and a wing," Lyon said.
"Alex Silvagni is a key defender but we always prepare for the opposition.
"So depending on what we need is what we pick."
When Lyon was pressed further on Morabito's chances he made no guarantees.
"I wouldn't say next week," Lyon said.
"I'm just saying he played very well. We've got a bit down (at Peel) pushing up.
"(Hayden) Crozier played well, (Colin) Sylvia played well, Alex Silvagni, Brady Grey, (Matt) Taberner played really well so we've got some pressure on for spots."
Lyon was also asked whether he was tempted to ensure that Morabito's comeback match, if and when it came, was in front of his home crowd rather than on the road.
Lyon believed the 22-year-old wouldn't care where it was.
"Would it worry me where he plays? The romance of playing at home? Anywhere, anytime. I think Anthony would take anywhere, anytime too," Lyon said.
"I don't think it's relevant to Anthony or ourselves where he plays. He would just love to play.
"He would play in Broome if he had to."
In further good news for Fremantle, high profile off-season recruit Scott Gumbleton made a successful return from his long-term hamstring injury in the WAFL.
Gumbleton had not played since tearing his hamstring in the NAB Challenge on February 26 but he got through the WAFL match unscathed, gathering nine touches, seven marks, and kicking 1.1.
Morabito is approaching full form and fitness after a fine WAFL display on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images
