Debutant Adam Cerra praised a vocal Freo Faithful for their efforts in helping Fremantle get over the line in an electrifying 16-point win against Essendon at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
The no.5 draft pick found out quickly what it’s like to have a roaring crowd behind him, with 49,021 fans on hand for Fremantle’s first AFL game at their new home ground.
“Late in the quarters and later in the game, when you start getting tired and you’re a bit fatigued, it really drives you on,” Cerra said.
“It’s like having a 19th man. There was a massive help from the crowd.”
The midfielder, who played forward for most of the game, kicked 2.2, had nine disposals and took four marks.
“It’s what every kid dreams of,” Cerra said.
“Playing out there on the big stage was amazing and it was great to get the win, it’s just unreal.
“I can’t wait for next week to do it all over again.”
Cerra said he will always treasure the memory of kicking his first AFL goal.
Marking an inside 50 from Hayden Ballantyne, Cerra cooly converted from 30m.
“I missed two in the opening term so I was pretty eager to get one on the board,” Cerra said.
“Just the emotion came out as soon as I saw it going in. The boys got around me and celebrated.
“It was an awesome feeling. Hopefully, there’s way more to come."
After celebrating a victory in his first AFL game, the 18-year-old can’t wait to do it all again next Saturday when Freo takes on Gold Coast at Optus Stadium in the annual Starlight Purple Haze game.
The clash will be a historic ‘away’ game for Freo and fans can buy their tickets here.
“I can’t wait. Hopefuly, we get another big crowd, just like today,” Cerra said.
“It would be great to have the fans out in force again to give us that extra hand.”
