Connor Blakely still on the outer at Fremantle after missing out again on Docker selection

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says Connor Blakely needs to push out a fellow midfielder before earning a long-awaited AFL recall.

Blakely hasn’t featured in 2020, with the 24-year-old unable to squeeze into the side despite the injury absence of skipper Nat Fyfe (hamstring).

Longmuir confirmed Blakely would again be overlooked for Monday night’s clash with Geelong in Perth, despite former Freo champion Paul Hasleby this week pushing for Blakely’s inclusion.

OUT OF FAVOUR MATERA WINS DOCKERS RECALL

DOCKER STEPHEN HILL RULED OUT OF GEELONG CLASH

“You could play Connor in defence,” Hasleby said.

“He has shown in the past that he can do that, and I even think he could play half-forward as well with a few guys that have struggled in the forward line in recent weeks.”

Blakely travelled with the squad to the Gold Coast hub, but endured lockdown life without an AFL game. He is a proven ball winner, but has been criticised in the past for a perceived lack of defensive mindset.

Former Dockers coach Ross Lyon gave Blakely bulk time in defence, but Longmuir sees him as a full-time midfielder.

“For Connor, it’s about him pushing one of the other mids out of the team,” Longmuir said.

“I feel like our midfield group is going okay.

“He can play back and he’s played back before, but since I walked in he’s been in the midfield group.

“I want to give him opportunity in the midfield, because that’s where he trained up and been trained up to play our system.

“His opportunity will come.”

The Dockers will again be without Fyfe (hamstring), while defender Stephen Hill was ruled out with an adductor strain.

Reece Conca comes in for Hill, while goalsneak Brandon Matera replaces Travis Colyer.

Geelong will make at least four changes following injuries to Jordan Clark (shoulder), Joel Selwood (hamstring), Luke Dahlhaus (foot), and the return home of Gary Ablett.

Cats coach Chris Scott confirmed Tom Stewart and Mitch Duncan were definite inclusions after overcoming injury.