Star Fremantle midfielder Nat Fyfe has praised the club’s developing younger players after Peel Thunder claimed its maiden premiership against Subiaco at Domain Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking to Fox Footy’s AFL 360 at the Brownlow Medal ceremony on Monday night, Fyfe was quick to acknowledge the club’s depth and reinforced Fremantle’s potential for 2017 and beyond.
He noted in particular the performances of Connor Blakely and Ed Langdon, both of whom shone in the 23-point win.
“We had 17 Fremantle-listed players playing (in the WAFL Grand Final) and all 17 of them performed in spades,” Fyfe said.
We bought in - Blakely
"Blakely, Langdon – these guys are going to be the future of our footy club.
“Some of these guys are going to push into our leadership group in one or two years.
“We need them to have big summers and that will set up our preseason and that will be the undercurrent for our momentum.”
Blakely was awarded the Simpson Medal as best on ground in the WAFL Grand Final, amassing 38 possessions, five marks and five inside 50s as the Thunder’s premier inside midfielder.
The 20-year-old impressed at senior level in 2016, averaging 20.3 possessions and 3.7 tackles in 15 games for Fremantle.
Langdon was also prolific against Subiaco, notching 39 disposals eight marks, nine inside 50s and a goal while providing run and carry through the midfield.
Talking Points from Peel's Grand Final
The wingman, whose brother Tom plays for Collingwood, last week signed a contract extension for 2017.
He averaged 15.8 touches in 13 games for Fremantle, but was most damaging with his endurance and ability to break the lines.
Blakely and Langdon’s form is reinforced by the emergence of impressive midfielder Lachie Weller, who was one of six Fremantle players to play all 22 games in 2016.
First-year halfback Darcy Tucker also enjoyed 12 games in the seniors, while Michael Apeness, Harley Balic, Ryan Nyhuis and Ethan Hughes all compiled strong finals campaigns for Peel.
