Cooper Simpson, a dynamic forward selected first overall by Fremantle in the 2017 draft, will make his debut in the team’s game against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
The Dockers announced the announcement on Thursday afternoon. Following their third straight defeat in last week’s western derby, the team is expected to undergo a number of changes.
Although Michael Frederick and Sam Switkowski are also a possibility to rejoin the team, star forward Jye Amiss will be out due to a concussion.
After an injury-plagued season, Simpson, a Dandenong Stingrays product, was regarded as one of the steals of his pool when he was selected with pick 35 in the previous year’s draft.
“I’m thrilled and feeling energized. He told the club’s website, “I was ecstatic to hear the news and couldn’t stop smiling.
“In the meeting JL announced there would be a debutant and my name popped up. All the boys were getting around me.
“Mum was very emotional, as I expected her to be. Calling Dad, he was super pumped for me.”
Simpson’s debut means the return of Fremantle’s most iconic jumper number. Simpson was handed No. 29, famously worn by the club’s leading goal-kicker and longest-serving captain Matthew Pavlich.
South Australian Luke Valente was given the number, but never played a senior game, meaning it will be the first time it is worn for the Dockers since Pavlich’s final game in 2016 – also at home against the Bulldogs.
