Fremantle’s first to four-year players returned to the training track as day one of the 2015 pre-season got underway at Fremantle Oval.
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It was Irish recruit Sean Hurley’s first session as an official AFL player as five-plus year players Nick Suban and Michael Walters watched on, with the latter coming on to have a kick.
Fremantle assistant coach Simon Lloyd wasn’t surprised to see two non-required stars already back at club headquarters.
“Last week we saw a lot of players coming through the doors and I think all of them really understand the obligations of an AFL footballer and they are here to work and here to work hard,” he said.
“We want a group of hard-core AFL footballers and to get that you need to be uncompromising and demanding.”
At Saturday night’s Doig Medal presentation dinner, senior coach Ross Lyon declared the club needs to be more ‘brutal and uncompromising’ in 2015 and Lloyd was not surprised at all.
“Ross’ key word was uncompromising,” Lloyd said.
“You’re either doing one of two things, you’re either growing or you’re in decline and we expect players to challenge themselves and challenge each other continually.
“We agree with Ross’ sentiments and we need to demand more from each other.”
Later this month will see the NAB AFL Draft take place and some new recruits around the club, and Lloyd was quick to point out how pre-seasons are important in developing players.
“Look at way back in November 2009 Nat Fyfe walked in and since that time he’s put on 17 kilos, so somebody even like Nat Fyfe we expect him to grow and he’s still got room to develop as well,” he said.
Absentees from this morning’s session included Lachie Neale, Max Duffy and Cam Sutcliffe, who at this stage are in the club's rehab group.
The five-plus year players are not required back until Monday 1 December.
Freo players return for pre-season
Fremantle’s first to four-year players returned to the training track as day one of pre-season got underway