Mark makes his regular season debut after crossing from Essendon during last year’s Trade Week and has been named in the back line.
He travelled to Melbourne with the squad today and the team will have a final training run on Optus Oval on Friday morning.
Speaking at the airport before the team departed, Fremantle Assistant Coach Dean Wallis said the Magpies will present a tough challenge on Saturday afternoon at the MCG but the group are well prepared for round one.
“We understand Collingwood were five points off playing in a grand final last year and obviously they lost some experienced players over the summer, but they pride themselves on their fitness and midfield, so we will have to match them in that area to win,” said Dean.
“Obviously there are sixteen sides out there that want to win round one so we aren’t worrying about the games any further ahead and our focus is on Collingwood and hopefully we can get across the line and that will propel us into round 2.”
Dean said Mark’s debut was well-deserved and his experience at the MCG will serve him and the team well in his first game with Fremantle.
“Mark has embraced the footy club and the players have embraced him, so he’s got to go and there and do what he is best at and that is playing good footy,” he said.
Bouncedown for Sunday’s game is at 2:10 EDST (12:10 WDST), and will be telecast live on Channel Ten and Fox Sports 1 from Midday WDST.
