Fremantle's new kids on the block Stephen Hill and Nick Suban will use Saturday's AFL practice match against Carlton at Hands Oval in Bunbury to further their claims for a round one debut.

And West Australian Chris Yarran, snared by the Blues with pick No.6 in last year's national draft, will return to his home State looking to press his own claims for a season-opening berth.

Hill, a fleet-footed midfielder/defender selected by Fremantle ahead of the highly-touted Daniel Rich with pick No.3 in last year's national draft, and 18-year-old Victorian Suban (pick No.24) have impressed coach Mark Harvey over the pre-season.

And with both Des Headland (Achilles/calf) and Chris Mayne (foot) set to miss the season opener against the Bulldogs on March 29, Hill and Suban could find themselves thrust into senior action from the outset.

"It's not totally dependant on what they do on Saturday (against Carlton), it's just what we've got in mind for round one," Harvey said.

"Certain players will fit the criteria to play against the Bulldogs, but I've been really impressed with what they've done so far, so that makes selection a little bit more difficult.

"Stephen's done everything we've asked him to do so it will be interesting to see what happens with selection and see how the coaches look upon Stephen.

"Nick's an interesting guy.

"He's a young fellow that you would think just from a direction and voice point of view that he's been around for years.

"That's a good attribute to have from a young player.

"He uses the ball well.

"He'll get an opportunity this week and we'll monitor his performance.

"I was impressed with what he did last week (against the Eagles)."

Yarran rolled his ankle in Carlton's round one NAB Cup win over North Melbourne last month but the 18-year-old forward will be eager to put in a big performance against the Dockers to secure his place in the Blues' line-up for their season opener against Richmond on March 26.

"Chris will be in that group of four to six players that will have a question mark over them whether they play in round one or not," Blues coach Brett Ratten told radio 6PR.

"He is a kid that is young, we have got to be patient with him but he has got a lot of skill and he will be a very good player for us."

The Blues recalled star midfielders Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy for the clash with the Dockers, while spearhead Brendan Fevola also returns.

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