New dad Pavlich ready to play

BABY BONUS: Matthew Pavlich is set to make a NAB Cup on Saturday after becoming a father during the week. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE skipper Matthew Pavlich has been cleared to play against the Western Bulldogs in Mandurah on Saturday after his wife gave birth to their first child.

Pavlich missed last week's 70-point pre-season loss to Carlton in Melbourne so he could be with his heavily-pregnant wife Lauren in case she went into labour.

And after welcoming a baby girl into the world on Wednesday night, Pavlich is free to play his first game of the pre-season.

Pavlich underwent operations on his hip, Achilles tendon and back during the off-season.

But coach Ross Lyon said the 31-year-old had fully recovered and was ready to play the majority of the game against the Bulldogs.

"He's in really good nick," Lyon said this morning.

"He's done a lot of work. He would have played last week.

"We've got his minutes planned, but he's really ready to go. He's ahead of schedule and we're thrilled to have him back."

Stephen Hill, Michael Barlow and Chris Mayne will also return to the side for the Dogs clash.

More to come

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