Talented Fremantle midfielder Adam Cerra is looking to improve his fitness this pre-season with the goal of delivering more often for Fremantle in 2019.
The 19-year-old’s talent was on show in a number of performances in his debut season, highlighted by his 30-disposal effort against Adelaide in round 12 and 23 touches and seven marks against Melbourne in round 16.
Following the Melbourne game, Cerra was nominated for the 2018 NAB AFL Rising Star.
“I was quite happy, without being satisfied (with my 2018 season),” Cerra told The West Australian.
“I had a couple of stand-out games but I probably didn’t hit that consistency that I would have liked.
“It was my first full season I’d completed in three years, starting from 16s. So I was rapt to get the amount of games out that I did but towards the end definitely, the mental and physical fatigue comes in.”
Cerra, who played 21 consecutive games after making his debut in round two, wants to deliver these strong performances more consistently in his second season.
“(The Fremantle fitness staff) don’t want me gaining weight yet because they want me to probably boost my running and improve on that but fat percentages have gone down and I’m watching what I eat a bit more,” he said.
“I’d say repeat sprints are the focus. I have to build on my running so that next year I’ll be able to run out games a lot more easily and hopefully that will reflect in my performance.”
Cerra expects to play multiple roles in 2019, including stints in the midfield as Fremantle looks to a talented young core of players to fill the role left by Lachie Neale.
“Ross (Lyon) is trying to develop me in different roles,” Cerra said.
“Next year, I’ll be more a mix between half-back and midfield and it will be a good opportunity to not only build on my midfield craft, but also my back craft so it gives me a bit more flexibility.”
Cerra said he was thrilled to extend his contract by a further two years at the end of the 2018 season, seeing him in Fremantle colours until at least the end of the 2021 season.
“It was an easy choice,” Cerra said.
“I am really excited for the future. Finals are on every team’s mind but for our review from last season and going into next year, we’d just like to get some more consistency with our performances.”
