Fremantle’s ambitious release of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan hasn’t just won the approval of Fremantle’s members and supporters.
It also won over Neil Erasmus.
On draft morning, the Subiaco product woke to news that Fremantle had set the goal to have three top four finishes and at least one premiership by 2025 in their new Strategic Plan.
By 5.30pm that evening, the versatile midfielder/forward was on board for the journey, taken at pick no.10.
“The Club came out with the goal of winning a premiership in the next four years. With some clubs that can be unrealistic but where Freo’s heading with this young group - Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, there’s stars all around,” Erasmus said.
“There’s a lot of young stars and with Jordan Clark coming over and winning a couple of time trials. Things are getting pretty exciting and I’m really glad to be a part of it.
“I’m very excited. The nerves were up but I’m just so stoked to know where I’m going and I’m so happy I’m staying at Perth and it’s Freo. I couldn’t be happier that I get to stay with family and friends and just start with the new young fellas. It’s an exciting group and I can’t wait.”
Erasmus is joined by WA teammate Jye Amiss at the Club, with the key forward arriving two picks earlier at no.8.
“That’s awesome I can’t wait to play with Jye, he’s a great fella, a great footballer,” Erasmus said.
“He’s a silent assassin! He keeps quiet but next minute you’ve got four goals kicked on you. He takes his chances and gets in the right positions. He’s very dangerous and I can’t wait to play with him.”
The 17-year-old boasts plenty of upside. Born on 2 December 2003, he is the second youngest player in the draft pool and has only recently started focusing fully on football after also growing up playing cricket.
The 190cm player starred along all three lines in his junior years playing for Subiaco and Hale.
“I started off on the half back line coming through the ranks and moved into the forward line at school footy,” Erasmus said.
“Since then, I played a fair bit of midfield when I grew a little bit and got the fitness up.
“I like the contested side of things. As a forward I like getting on the scoreboard but also racking up the possessions as well.”
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He also boasts pace and endurance, running a 6.14 time trial just weeks after recovering from a serious cork injury to his quad.
“I only had two weeks to train for the time trial after being out for a couple months. I was happy with it,” Erasmus said.
“I’ve recovered really well. I was pretty devastated that I couldn’t finish the year off the way I wanted to. Since then I’ve been running a lot, doing a lot in the gym. My body is in tip top shape and I can’t wait to get started.”
