AFL: Fremantle pulled a selection shock ahead of their Optus Stadium qualifying final against Hawthorn with a home preliminary final on the cards for the victor.
Brandon Walker has made three AFL appearances in two seasons and had an injury scare just over a month ago.
However, his fortunes have turned around with Justin Longmuir calling him into the side for the club’s first September bout.
He joins Murphy Reid, Jye Amiss, Heath Chapman and Sam Switkowski as ins for Fremantle while Jack Ginnivan’s return is the only change at Hawthorn.
Follow all the action with our live blog.
Heavens open
The rain has arrived at Optus Stadium.
There is expected to be some showers throughout the night but hopefully nothing heavy.
Pearce test?
The Freo skipper is the first Docker on the ground for an official warm-up and he does some run throughs before running at the ball and taking some marks.
He gets a high five afterwards so if it was a quick test he passed with flying colours.
The Malthouse take
Reunion
2018 premiership Eagles Tom Barrass and Will Schofield have shared a hug in the middle of Optus Stadium as the Hawks continue to take some shots at goal.
The pair were pillars of that premiership and the Hawks will be hoping Barrass can lead them to the promised land as well.
Early birds
The Hawks are already out on the ground getting some reps in.
Josh Treacy was the first player on the grass as usual earlier with Pat Voss right beside him.
Traffic warning
If you’re tuning into the coverage before or while you’re heading to the ground, make sure you give yourself plenty of time.
There are expected delays of up to 45 minutes for public transport and the roads will be filled.
The one everyone’s talking about
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir’s decision to select Brandon Walker for tonight’s qualifying final against Hawthorn will be viewed as either a stroke of genius or a sign of panic when the game ends at Optus Stadium.
Welcome!
The atmosphere is already starting to build outside Optus Stadium while there is currently blue skies above Optus Stadium.
This is the moment for Fremantle.
A win tonight puts them in the box seat for a shot at the flag with a home preliminary final but a loss to the Hawks makes the road so much harder.
The Dockers have called Brandon Walker into the side for only his second game of the season and it could be a make-or-break selection.
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