Second-year Bomber Brandon Zerk-Thatcher will make his AFL debut against Fremantle this evening following the late withdrawal of experienced Don Cale Hooker.

Hooker has not been able to get up for the clash at Optus Stadium after pulling up with groin soreness following Friday's training session, but it presents an exciting opportunity for Zerk-Thatcher on the big stage.

Zerk-Thatcher has been in sensational form in the VFL throughout the season, averaging 13 disposals and five marks to follow up an impressive debut season in 2018.

The athletic key defender stands 195cm tall and has been one of the leading intercepting backmen in the league this year, with his athleticism seeing him play on both tall and small opponents.

Selected with pick 66 in the 2017 national draft, the versatile 20-year-old will wear the number 30 guernsey with the game due to start at 6:10pm (AWST).