Brandon Matera’s early start to his first pre-season at Fremantle is unrestricted by a foot injury that saw him miss the second half of the 2017 season.

The former Gold Coast Sun said he could have played late in the year but decided it was better to get the additional rest.

Matera played 101 games and kicked 124 goals for Gold Coast from 2011 to 2017 and was traded to Fremantle for a future third round selection. 

“I had a stress fracture, fourth metatarsal, it wasn’t too nice,” Matera said.

“It’s all good (now), I probably could have played the last couple of games but I didn’t want to risk it, so I rested for the rest of the year.

“I’ll be full bore and ready to go (this pre-season).” 

Matera said the injury was the impetus to seek a move back to WA.

“You don’t really think that far ahead in your career, I was just going game by game,” Matera said about his thoughts about coming home to WA.

“When I did my foot I was in rehab and rehab is a bit of a lonely place at times and you obviously need the support of your family and friends.

“That was obviously when I started thinking about it.”

After playing for Gold Coast from 2011 to 2017, the small forward said it felt strange to be staying home for the pre-season.

“It’s a weird feeling,” Matera said.

“Usually this time I’m flying back to the Gold Coast but it’s been great being back and living at the family home for now.

“I really enjoyed my time, I made a lot of good mates that I’ll probably keep forever.”

Matera was due back with the remainder of the Fremantle list on 20 November, however, the 25-year-old decided to start pre-season a week earlier to get to know Fremantle’s first to four-year players and get his head around a new training facility. 

“I was sitting at home, so I thought I might as well come in and meet the young boys,” Matera said.

“They’ve been very welcoming and there are great facilities here too. 

“I didn’t play the last 10 games of 2017 so I want to build my fitness, get it ready for the JLT games, so I’ll be getting that right.”