New Fremantle wingman Karl Worner will need to wait for his formal introduction at Fremantle, with the Victorian set to spend a period of time training in Victoria before entering WA.
The elite running midfielder was Freo’s final addition of the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, selected at no.8 in Friday’s Rookie Draft.
Executive General Manager of Football Peter Bell said the Club would do everything to support the 19-year-old while he remains in Victoria.
“We’ll work with Karl what the plan is, because he won’t be able to come into Western Australia due to the current border rules,” Bell said.
“He’ll set himself up to train with our assistance over in Victoria and as soon as he’s able to come in, we’ll facilitate that.”
Bell said Worner’s high speed run would make him a valuable addition to Fremantle’s list.
“He’s a hard running wingman who played his footy at the Oakleigh Chargers,” Bell said.
“He hasn’t played a lot of footy like the other Victorians for a couple of years, but he’s close to 190cm, runs a very good 2km time at just a tick over six minutes and is desperate for an opportunity. We were really pleased to be able to bring him in.”
DRAFT RATINGS: How did Freo fare?
Bell praised Fremantle’s recruiting team after the Club made the additions of key forward Jye Amiss, midfielder Neil Erasmus, midfielder Matthew Johnson, ruck-forward Roy Benning as well as Worner.
“Our Head of Player Personnel David Walls, Draft Manager Dave McMullin and the whole team have once again done a fantastic job and the Club should be very appreciative of their hard work,” Bell said.
The WA-based recruits will start at the Club next week.
“The West Australian lads will be in on Monday for a formal induction, medical screenings and some of them might be ready to go for a little bit of training on Monday,” Bell said.
Bell delight as Freo shop local
Johnson's 'dream come true'
Roy's purple joy!
