The former Ulverstone and Devonport player has been named in defence for the Dockers following six solid games for Peel Thunder in the WAFL, replacing the injured Luke McPharlin.

The 200-centimetre, 92-kilogram, key-position player was recruited to the Dockers with the 37th pick in the 2013 national draft.

‘‘It’s a bit unknown what it’s going to be like but I am just excited to get out there with all the boys and take in the moment and enjoy the day,’’ Pearce said on Fremantle’s website.

‘‘I can’t wait to get out there and I know all the boys will look after me.’’

Pearce’s debut comes seven days after fellow key defender Henry Schade, from North Hobart, got his first start for Gold Coast.

Pearce is one of three Tasmanians on Fremantle’s list, along with Burnie duo Brady Grey and Lachie Weller.

Meanwhile, Tasmanians will have goal-kicking responsibilities at either end of Bellerive Oval on Saturday when North Melbourne hosts Richmond.

For the Roos, Devonport’s Ben Brown will make his third AFL appearance at the venue, and has kicked 2.3 and averaged 10 touches and four marks a game.

Saturday will be the first time the 22-year-old, who will play his 16th game, comes up against Richmond, in what will be Clarence’s Jack Riewoldt first AFL appearance at his former home ground.

Both have been in good form in 2015, with Riewoldt kicking 13.8 from six games and Brown 11.3 from four games.