NGA
NGA Wrap: The names of the future to watch

Former Fremantle Docker Brady Grey is back in purple, coaching the Roger Hayden 15s Squad as part of the Club’s Next Generation Academy, powered by Tyrepower.

The Squad’s talents were on show last Friday evening when they took on West Coast’s Naitanui Academy at Lathlain Park, with Grey at the helm alongside Hayden in the coaching ranks.

Grey played 21 games over four seasons at the Club, showing plenty of promise as a defensive small forward before shoulder, hamstring and ankle issues halted his AFL career.

The 26-year-old said after a bit of a hiatus away from purple, it was a great feeling to be back in the Fremantle fold.

Roger Hayden Squad match v West Coast

Our Roger Hayden NGA Squad squared up against the Naitanui Academy at West Coast in a hard fought contest at Lathlain Oval.
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“It’s been about three years since I was last in purple,” Grey said.

“There was a bit of hysteria when I walked back in! It’s nice to be back involved with the Club and with the junior programs and to try and improve my coaching.”

Grey explained that the match was a great teaching experience for the players, many of whom were playing their very first match as part of Fremantle’s NGA.

“It was great that these boys got their opportunity to put on the purple for the first time – there were some really good signs,” Grey said.

“I think they were a bit nervous for the first quarter and we probably didn’t play how we wanted to play but through the second, third and fourth quarter I think we really found our stride.

“The boys started to feel a lot more comfortable within the game plan and their roles.

“It was their first time in a league environment, and it’s all about teaching them how to prepare for a game and teach them things around a game plan.”

02:30

'There's real potential.' | NGA Roger Hayden Squad

Hear from coach of the Roger Hayden Squad and former Freo Docker Brady Grey as we dissect Freo's NGA clash with the Naitanui Academy.

Grey believes there is potential for some future AFL prospects amongst the group to follow in the footsteps of players like Liam Henry, Brandon Walker and Joel Western.

“Hopefully, three or four of them would be nice, especially with the tutelage of Roger it’s been really good,” Grey said.

“There’s been some really good success stories through the NGA program and obviously a few coming this year but these guys have some real potential.

“Hopefully, over the next four of five years they can build into AFL players.”