New Fremantle recruit Will Brodie can see a bright future at the Club he grew up supporting, saying he is more than ready to play regular AFL football.
A no.9 selection in 2016, Brodie had limited opportunity at Gold Coast due to injury and the Suns’ deep midfield, playing 25 games through five seasons.
He dominated in the VFL in 2021, averaging just under 32 disposals and six tackles per game, going on to win the Suns’ VFL Player of the Year award.
The 23-year-old feels he improved every year at the Suns and is ready to have his moment on the AFL stage.
“(At 18) you want to come in and play AFL footy instead of being in the VFL, so it was frustrating but I feel like I was still getting better as a player and still working on my craft,” Brodie said.
“Year on year, I feel like I was still improving and that’s most important. My opportunity here is a fresh start and that’s exciting for me.
“It’s funny how things work out. I loved wearing the Purple growing up as a kid and here I am now. It’s really special.”
GALLERY: Off-season gym session
A big-bodied 190cm midfielder, Brodie hopes to learn from the likes of Nat Fyfe and David Mundy.
“I feel like my best footy is played through the midfield so hopefully, I can provide something there. I also feel like I can provide other things in the forward line,” Brodie said.
“I want to bring my strengths and just continue to get better at them and gel with the group. It’s an exciting young group so I want to mix and be a part of that.
“I’d love to try and work with (Fyfe) and learn as much as I can off him.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for him as a player and I loved watching him growing up, even over the past few years going about his craft. I’m looking forward to hopefully getting to know him and competing with him.”
Speaking on the day the WA Government announced that WA would open its boarders when the State reaches a 90 per cent vaccination rate, Brodie said he felt optimistic about playing in front of big crowds at Optus Stadium.
“The Government and the AFL are going to do everything they can to make sure the health and safety of the community is in the right hands. As long as we reiterate that everyone gets vaccinated and we do everything right, there’s no reason why we can’t (have big crowds),” Brodie said.
“I think it’s super exciting that we can start having big crowds at the footy again.
“I can’t speak for every player, I feel like (getting vaccinated) is their personal choice, but for me, I’m already fully vaccinated and I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t want to go that way.”
