Starting out as an AFL player can be a daunting experience, and Connor Blakely remembers it clearly.
Which is why he and his fellow younger players have been sure to extend a warm welcome to Freo’s newest signings.
Coming into his third pre-season, Blakely says he is now in a position to help Freo’s latest draft crop of Griffin Logue, Sean Darcy, Brennan Cox, Luke Ryan, Taylin Duman and Luke Strnadica settle into life as an AFL player.
“When you first come in you’re just so excited and you really don't know what to expect in a way,” Blakely said.
“But I'm in my third year now, and you know the expectations and you know what the goals are - such as what you need to do this off-season and during the Christmas break.”
While Blakely boasts AFL experience after playing 15 games in his second season with Fremantle, he doesn’t feel too far removed when it comes to relating to the youngest players in the squad.
“I think it’s pretty easy being a similar kind of age as the new guys,” Blakely said.
“I’m only two years older than them, so I definitely remember that experience of being a new player coming through the door.
“It’s good to go out and have coffee with them, sit down, get to know them. Find out where they’re from as well as what their interests are outside of footy, as you need to have a life out of footy of course.”
“I think especially myself, Ed Langdon, Lachie Weller, Ethan Hughes and those sort of guys, we’ve been there, we’ve been through the door and all nervous and not knowing what to expect.
After impressing in the midfield and earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round 11 against Essendon, Blakely says he feels more confident after building up his footy knowledge.
“Knowing the game plan over the last few years, you feel more composed in what you need to do, and how you’re going to go about the year,” Blakely said.
“Each year I’m definitely becoming more composed in what I want to do and how to get there.”
