Fremantle has resisted the temptation to recall gun midfielder Hayden Young for Friday night’s must win clash against Brisbane at Optus Stadium.

But swingman Corey Wagner has been recalled from a heel injury, with small forward Isaiah Dudley omitted.

Wagner has missed the past two matches but made a successful return in Peel Thunder’s loss to Perth last weekend with a 20-disposal effort that featured five inside 50s in managed minutes.

The Lions have been bolstered by the return of experienced defenders Ryan Lester and Brandon Starcevich and have also recalled key forward Sam Day and named Luke Beecken for his debut.

Tom Dooedee will miss through injury while Henry Smith, Devan Robertson and Will McLachlan have been omitted.

Young was this week listed as a test to take on the Lions after he injured his groin in the Dockers’ win over Carlton earlier this month.

The Glendinning-Allan medallist had also battled a persistent hamstring injury throughout the year which required surgery.

Speaking before Young was in and out of drills at main training on Wednesday morning, Longmuir said the 24-year-old was “unlikely” to take on the Lions as they look to seal a spot in finals for the first time since 2022.

“That’s a tricky one. He’s got to get through training first, which in my mind is pretty unlikely for this week with the way it sits right now,” he said.

Young is now poised to return for the Dockers’ round 24 clash with the Western Bulldogs which will be followed by the pre-finals bye and will aid his recovery.

Wagner’s place in the team is crucial for balance as he can play defence or midfield.

Nat Fyfe, who announced this week he will retire at the of the football year after 16 seasons, has been named on the interchange bench.

Fyfe is likely to start as the sub, but Longmuir has said the veteran was able to play a full game if needed before his illustrious career comes to an end.

The inclusion of Starcevich is critical for the Lions as a starter on either of Fremantle’s gun forwards Sam Switkowski or Rising Star fancy Murphy Reid.

The match is crucial to both teams top-four chances, as well as their hopes of playing in September with spots in the eight tight.

FREMANTLE V BRISBANE

Friday, Optus Stadium, 6.35pm

DOCKERS

B: L Ryan B Cox A Pearce

HB: H Chapman K Worner J Clark

C: N Erasmus L Jackson N O’Driscoll

HF: S Switkowski P Voss S Bolton

F: M Frederick J Treacy J Amiss

FOLL: S Darcy C Serong A Brayshaw

I/C: C Wagner M Reid J O’Meara N Fyfe B Banfield

EMG: B Walker I Dud;ley O McDonald

IN: C Wagner

OUT: I Dudley (omitted)

LIONS

B: D Zorko D Gardiner R Lester

HB: D Wilmot H Andrew B Starcevich

C: J Fletcher H McCluggage J Berry

HF: C Cameron E Hipwood Z Bailey

F: C Rayner L Morris C Ah Chee

FOLL: D Fort J Dunkley W Ashcroft

I/C: L Ashcroft S Day L Beecken S Marshall B Reville

EMG: S Brain D Joyce O McInerney

IN: R Lester B Starcevich S Day L Beecken

OUT: T Doedee iInjured) H Smith (omitted) D Robertson (omitted) W McLachlan (omitted)