Rookie defender Taylin Duman had the chance to get back to his roots as a part of a “Welcome 2 Freo” football clinic, on Thursday at Victor George Kailis Oval.
The 19 year-old reminisced about his school days in Melbourne, expressing the admiration he felt for players who visited his school.
“I think the kids get a real buzz out of meeting AFL players,” Duman said.
“I know when I was kid, I used to love it when AFL players came out to our school.
“They get a real understanding of what it’s like to be an AFL footballer and what it’s like to live a healthy lifestyle.”
Brennan Cox playing along side students.
More than 600 students visited Fremantle’s training facilities at Cockburn Central to take part in a football clinic and tours under the guidance of Fremantle first year players and SEDA Freo Fundamentals students.
The “Welcome 2 Freo” clinic saw year 4-6 students from schools around the metro area take part in hands on activities to promote making informed decisions and living healthy and active lifestyles.
Thursday’s clinic was the final stage in the “Welcome 2 Freo” program.
“We’ve been out to their schools to do some footy drills and talk about social responsibility,” Duman said.
“Having the kids come out to the ground and run around is the last step in teaching these lessons.”
Students participating in the clinic on Victor George Kailis Oval.
Alongside Duman were fellow first years Sean Darcy, Luke Ryan, Griffin Logue, Brennan Cox and Luke Strnadica, who led the students in football drills, obstacle courses and tours of the gym and sleep chambers.
The students were not short of talent on the field, with their skills impressing the Freo players.
“There’s a few sports schools here and you can tell the kids really love what they’re doing,” Duman said.
“Hopefully, we can see them progress through the ranks in the coming years.”
