Fremantle rookie Josh Treacy called a meeting with coach Justin Longmuir on Friday morning for a heart-to-heart chat, and he walked out as a soon-to-be AFL debutant.
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Treacy was locked in to make his AFL debut in round one before a WAFL suspension during a practice match scuppered those plans.
Eyebrows were raised when Longmuir overlooked Treacy for last week's loss to Carlton despite the club's desperate need for a key forward to support Matt Taberner.
Treacy looked set for another week of disappointment when Longmuir said on Thursday the 18-year-old was unlikely to be selected for Sunday's clash with Hawthorn at Optus Stadium.
The powerfully-built forward walked into Longmuir's office on Friday morning seeking some clarity.
"I just wanted to see where I'm at, if there's anything holding me back or if there's anything I need to add to my weaponry that's going to stand me out," Treacy asked Longmuir.
The response brought a smile to Treacy's face.
"The answer's no, mate. The answer is you're in the team this week and you're going to play," Longmuir replied.
"I think we need a contest forward of the ball, we really need someone coming up a bit more, which you do really well.
"It's probably going to be wet but I reckon you're one of our best ball handlers and even one of our best kicks forward of centre.
"Your aggression in the wet is going to be important, the way you pressure and tackle and your intent to defend as well."
Treacy, the No.7 pick from last year's rookie draft, showed his potential with a seven-goal haul during a WAFL practice match last month.
The Dockers are set to welcome back skipper Nat Fyfe from concussion, but defender Hayden Young will spend around three months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Goalsneak Lachie Schultz has been ruled out against the Hawks with concussion, while fellow small forward Sam Switkowski (broken finger) will miss at least 8 weeks.
Veteran forward Michael Walters is looking forward to crumbing off Treacy.
"I'm pumped for him," Walters said.
"It's good to see him the reap the rewards. He's one of those quality players up forward. He's a strong target, he's a big boy, but his skills are something to really watch.
"He's tall, but he's a contested beast as well."
Australian Associated Press
