Following his AFL debut in round 23 last season, young Fremantle Docker Connor Blakely said he quickly realised the physical demands of AFL football as he seeks more time in the midfield in 2016.
“In the game I played last year, I realised how fit and strong you have to be to play midfield every week,” Blakeley said.
Blakely’s debut game saw him match up against Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak, and he acknowledged the physical challenge that faced him this pre-season.
“Working on your strength, as a second year player is very important because you’re not going to match it with those kind of guys,” he said.
“Being under the guidance of Jason Weber and our strength and conditioning staff, I’m feeling a lot fitter this pre-season.
“I was at about 85kg last year and have jumped up to about 87.
“You have to be strong, it’s a tough game out there."
In addition to his physical preparation, Blakely spoke of the importance of learning from the more experienced players in the Fremantle midfield.
“The general knowledge of that position is something that I’ll need to keep improving on,” he admitted.
“Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
“David (Mundy) is very good with his body work, Lachie Neale with his skills and general knowledge about the game, and Tendai (Mzungu) has got great fitness.
“You take a bit from everywhere.”
While breaking into a vaunted Freo midfield may seem like a daunting task, Blakely said the culture of competition within the club has been healthy for all players.
“It’s a bit daunting, but everyone starts somewhere,” he said.
“There’s high competition but the opportunity is there if you take it.
“Everyone’s hungry and it’s very healthy for the club.”
