Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has revealed debutant Isaiah Dudley's role for his first game in Dockers purple.
Dudley was signed just over a month ago as a Supplemental Selection Period signing, arriving from SANFL club Central Districts.
Listed as the smallest player in the AFL, the 168cm forward has been rewarded for his relentless pressure and attack on the football in Peel Thunder's opening two games, where Dudley snagged two goals in each respective match.
Longmuir noted that Fremantle's lack of spark in the forward line warranted Dudley's quick selection call-up, as the Dockers scored just 20 times from 59 inside 50 entries.
Following his debut announcement, the anticipation of Dockers fans then turned to his role for the match, as AFL coaches continue the trend of starting debutants as the substitute.
In Thursday night's Essendon-Port Adelaide clash, both club's respective first-gamers Tom Cochrane and Saad El-Hawli sat for the first three quarters as they were given the divisive sub role.
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However, that won't be the case on Sunday evening, with Longmuir confirming a starting spot in the best 22 for Dudley.
"Yeah, he won't be the sub," Longmuir said.
"...We feel like we need a bit more forward craft after the game on the weekend, 59 inside 50s and didn't kick a winning score.
"Really happy with the way he's applied himself, learnt our system. Feel like he adds a bit of class in the front half but he can pressure the opposition and play the role we ask him.
"His form the last three weeks at Peel's been solid."
For West Coast, highly-touted first-round selection Bo Allan will have to wait at least another week before pulling on the blue and gold for the first time.
Despite potential for a late call-up after being listed as an emergency for the 60th edition of the Western Derby, coach Andrew McQualter confirmed Allan wouldn't play.
McQualter cited competition for spots kept him out of the side but praised his WAFL performances thus far.
"Bo won't debut this week, I can tell you that now," McQualter said.
"He played really well in the WAFL last week as many of you would've seen. He's working hard at his craft.
"He doesn't need to do much more than what he's doing. It's just about opportunity now and when that opportunity comes up and we just want to make sure he's really ready when he does get that chance."
The Western Derby takes place on Sunday at 3:10pm local time.
