BAILEY Banfield had to fight for his spot on an AFL list and the Fremantle rookie wants to show recruiters they got it wrong when he makes a dream round one debut alongside prized draftee Andrew Brayshaw.  

After being overlooked in two national drafts, Banfield has come from nowhere to book a spot on the plane to face Port Adelaide this Saturday.

The Claremont best and fairest was thrown around between roles in his first summer with Freo and was only given a shot as a defensive forward when Ross Lyon spun the magnets before the opening JLT Community Series match.

Banfield booted two goals from 11 disposals against Adelaide and hasn't looked back. Now the 20-year-old is keen to prove recruiters got it wrong by passing on him. 

"I was the 210th pick over the two drafts, so 209 blokes went before me and that definitely does give me a lot of motivation that they didn’t think I was good enough," Banfield said.

"All 18 clubs passed on me multiple times and to be able to go out and play round one is something that’s really special and something that I really cherish, and hopefully I can make the most of my opportunity."

Growing up in Broome, Banfield couldn't see a pathway to the big time but his efforts at Claremont put him on Freo's radar. 

Banfield credited ex-Docker Kepler Bradley, the Tigers' reserves coach, for boosting his confidence after recruiters' feedback to the big-bodied youngster was that he wasn't quick enough and that his disposal let him down. 

"I did do a lot of reflecting on it (being overlooked)," he said. 

"I think a lot of it was based on my kicking and I think I got pigeonholed a little bit as a slow inside mid and it was really hard to break that mould. 

"Now I’ve come here I’m playing as a small quick forward, so it’s complete opposites and I suppose it’s only really now that I’m breaking that pigeonhole."

Banfield and Brayshaw were handed guernseys by skipper Nat Fyfe on Monday, and are set to play their first games alongside recruits Nathan Wilson and Brandon Matera. 

"Just walking out of the meeting yesterday we couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces," Brayshaw said.

"It will be good flying over together, we'll probably be sitting next to each other and bouncing off each other, so it will be a good experience." 

Brayshaw will debut against the club he grew up supporting.

His father, mother and girlfriend will be in the Adelaide Oval stands, although his brothers Angus and Hamish can't attend due to their football commitments at Melbourne and East Perth, respectively. 

While Brayshaw arrived at Cockburn with huge expectations, the No.2 NAB AFL Draft pick has made a seamless transition to life as a professional footballer. 

"A bit of pressure has been taken off (by being picked) but still there's some to play well and hopefully hold my spot," he said. 

"But definitely (it's) boxed ticked and I'm happy to go out there. 

"I was hoping to get a senior game in my first year. I didn’t think it would come this quickly, but once I got to the club and put my head down I started to think I could make my way into the team." 

Brayshaw's appetite for tackling and applying pressure has stood out during pre-season and he will slot into a midfield rotation alongside stars Fyfe, Michael Walters, David Mundy and housemate Lachie Neale. 

"He (Neale) was really proud of me. He reckons I feel like a bit of his son, so he was really proud like a father," Brayshaw said. 

"He's really happy for me and can't wait to play with me."

Meanwhile, Lee Spurr's attempt to hold onto a backline spot has been dealt a blow after Freo revealed the veteran, who is in the final year of his contract, will miss 4-6 weeks with a knee issue.  

Reigning Doig medallist Bradley Hill (quad) is pushing to play the Power, however his brother Stephen (calf) is another week away from resuming. 

Harley Bennell still doesn't have a timeframe on his return from his latest calf setback suffered more than a month ago.