Freo coach backs Walters to keep his cool

Fremantle veteran Michael Walters will be aiming to make amends for his brain fade when he returns in Sunday's AFL clash with Brisbane at Optus Stadium.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon is backing Michael Walters to keep his cool against Brisbane this Sunday but hopes the star veteran will receive some protection from the umpires.

Walters returns after serving a one-match suspension for a brain fade against the Crows in round 12.

In 10 seconds of madness, Walters punched Jake Kelly in the stomach and was reported for a headbutt on Tom Doedee.

The headbutt charge was thrown out but Walters paid for the punch.

He later admitted he was embarrassed by the indiscretion and has vowed to set a better example.

Lyon expects Walters to be targeted by Lions defenders in Sunday's clash at Optus Stadium but is backing the 27-year-old to handle the attention.

"He got targeted heavily last time against the Lions," Lyon said.

"(Nick) Robertson down back was very aggressive with him, so I expect that to occur.

"But we expect his teammates to support him, we expect the umpires to pay what's in front of them, on both sides of the fence.

"You cop your attention. Dustin Martin gets his, Buddy gets his but that's part of the business.

"He'll know he'll get targeted but the expectation is he works hard, he gets support and he plays well."

Fremantle are buoyant following wins over Adelaide and Carlton and boosted by the returns of Walters and Alex Pearce.

Pearce, who had surgery on a broken thumb three weeks ago, will play with a stent.

Mitch Robinson is the biggest in for Brisbane after recovering from a broken toe but the Lions are without star defender Harris Andrews (concussion).

Brisbane thrashed Fremantle by 57 points at the Gabba when the teams met last year but Lyon says his outfit have improved significantly.


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