He’s well known as one of Freo’s up-and-coming speedsters and on Sunday at Optus Stadium, Stefan Giro also showed he’s quickly improving as he adapts to AFL level.
The 19-year-old was among Fremantle’s best, collecting a career-high 19 disposals while laying six tackles and delivering four inside 50s.
Giro also continued to lead Fremantle for distance covered with 15.6km on the day, a stat he’s led in five of his six AFL appearances to date.
The midfielder’s pace was especially on show in the final term, where he chased down Port Adelaide’s Tom Curley and laid enough pressure to force him to kick out-of-bounds.
Fremantle’s re-entry from the free kick led to David Mundy’s crucial goal that put Freo 16-points up with 15 minutes to play.
“That’s something I’ve been working on and I’m glad that it’s showing on the field,” Giro said.
The rookie draftee said he feels like he’s adapting to playing at the highest level and can only improve from here.
“At first I thought the pace was just something you have to get used to,” Giro said.
“Once you get used to the speed of it, it changes quickly and you start picking up little tricks to make your game better.
“I think I’m adapting well.”
While many of Fremantle’s younger players impressed – with the club fielding 10 with 30 games experience or under – Giro felt Mundy was the standout.
While Mundy has spent more time forward in 2018, the veteran spent the majority of the game in the midfield – collecting 29 disposals, 10 contested possessions and laying five tackles.
“He’s just a class act,” Giro said.
“He’s been around the club for a long time and he knows every trick in the book so he’s good for helping us and a great leader.”
