Fremantle have confirmed Josh Draper will make his AFL debut against North Melbourne, with the Next Generation Academy product set to plug a hole in the Dockers’ defence following last week’s string of injuries.
Draper, 20, has been named to take on the Kangaroos after Freo lost Oscar McDonald (knee) and Brennan Cox (hamstring) to long-term injuries during last Sunday’s season-opening win.
Having held his own in two AFL pre-season matches, the Peel Thunder product said he was thrilled to become Fremantle’s first debutant of the season.
“Now I get to carry out my dream on Saturday,” Draper said.
“I just want to do my role and be decisive, just do what I’ve got to do for the team and make the Freo family proud.
“Those two games against West Coast and Port (in the pre-season) were such a good experience and made me gain confidence knowing that I can go against guys at that level. It’s left me in really good stead.”
Draper will become the fifth academy product to debut for the Dockers.
The 197cm prospect initially started his career as a ruckman, but has since transitioned into a defender.
Draper said working with the club’s experienced talent in the backline made his transition to defence seamless.
“Mainly I’ve been watching clips of Brennan Cox, Alex Pearce and Luke Ryan,” Draper said.
“I can’t really pick one because that whole back six is really close and there’s a lot of quality players there.
“Watching those boys just makes me feel more at ease on the field.”