Des Headland will make his much anticipated return to the Fremantle line up this Sunday when they take on St Kilda at Subiaco Oval.
Des has been out of action since Round 4 due to a knee injury that forced the forward off the field and onto the operating table to remove a bone growth from his left knee.
Des has been out of action since Round 4 due to a knee injury that forced the forward off the field and onto the operating table to remove a bone growth from his left knee.
Prior to his season being put on hiatus Des was in solid form for Fremantle, averaging 18 possessions, 5 marks and one goal per game in his opening three matches in 2008.
Joining Des in being recalled to the line up is Jeff Farmer, Antoni Grover, Clayton Hinkley and Ryan Murphy.
Ryan was outstanding for South Fremantle last weekend in the WAFL, kicking nine goals straight while Clayton collected 24 possessions for Swan Districts in the midfield and across half forward.
The omissions from last weekend’s line up are Chris Tarrant (shoulder) and Josh Carr (hip).
Senior Coach Mark Harvey is encouraging all Fremantle members and supporters to arrive at Subiaco Oval prior to the planned 2.30pm commencement of the Fremantle Football Club’s tribute to retired great Peter Bell this Sunday.
The Club will celebrate the career of Peter and the outstanding service that he has afforded the club and Mark wants as strong an ovation for Peter as the crowd afforded Shaun McManus prior to his final game against West Coast a fortnight ago.
“In the lead up to Shaun’s last game I encouraged everyone to dress up in purple and arrive at the ground early to give Shaun a send off he would never forget. I am asking our fans to replicate their great efforts this Sunday to give Peter as memorable a moment as they afforded Shaun,” Mark said.
Prior to Fremantle taking to the field, Peter will be introduced to the crowd at 2:31pm ahead of the Fremantle team running through the banner. Once the team has broken through the banner, a video tribute to Peter’s career will be played on the big screen on top of the NAB Stand. Following the video tribute Peter will address the crowd.
Peter, who captained Fremantle from 2002-2006, announced his retirement on Monday 7 July, ending a stellar 286-game career that included two premierships, three Doig Medals and a host of other achievements.
Mark encouraged all Fremantle fans coming to the game to arrive in time and be in their seats to help give Peter an ovation fitting to the honour his achievements not only with Fremantle, but throughout his career.
“Peter is arguably the finest player to wear the Fremantle jumper and is one of the greatest players to come out of WA,” Mark said.
“I encourage everyone who will be at Subiaco Oval on Sunday to again show how proud, loyal and passionate they are by dressing in purple and showing Peter their gratitude for all he has done to help the Fremantle Football Club become what it is today.”
Bouncedown on Sunday is 2.40pm WST.
Round 20 – Sunday 17 August
Fremantle vs. St Kilda
Subiaco Oval - Bouncedown at 2:40pm WST
Fremantle Team – Round 20 v St Kilda
B: Thornton, Grover, Mi Johnson
HB: Drum, McPharlin, Hayden
C: Ibbotson, Crowley, Mundy
HF: Duffield, Bradley, Mayne
F: Campbell, Pavlich, Ma Johnson
FOLL: Sandilands, Schammer, Palmer
I/C from: Dodd, Farmer, Hinkley, Peake, Headland, Browne, Murphy
In: Farmer, Grover, Headland, Hinkley, Murphy
Out: Tarrant (inj) Carr (inj)
