Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has made good on his promise to double down on youth, swinging the axe on veterans Hayden Ballantyne, Danyle Pearce and Michael Johnson.

The veteran trio are among six changes for Sunday’s AFL clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

Aaron Sandilands (concussion) and Stephen Hill (quad) were forced out through injury, while former Sun Brandon Matera was axed.

First-year players Stefan Giro and Scott Jones will make their debuts, with Michael Apeness, Tommy Sheridan, Taylin Duman, and Shane Kersten the other inclusions.

Pearce will struggle to play again this year given the club’s intense focus on youth.

Ballantyne and Johnson are seen to have more to offer, but also face a fight to win back their spot.