Midfield draftee duo Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson are already looking at home as inside midfielders in match simulations, according to teammate Darcy Tucker.

The pair have been thrown into the middle at training with Nat Fyfe (shoulder) and David Mundy (ankle) sitting out as they rehabilitate their injuries, while Caleb Serong has been playing on the wing as he avoids contact while he heals an injured finger.

They even went head-to-head at the centre bounce during training on Friday, where Fremantle played four 12.30 minute quarters as the temperature pushed towards 40 C.

Tucker, who is set to play a versatile inside and outside midfield role in 2022, said he’s seen their rapid development up close.

“Neil Erasmus, obviously being a midfielder myself, I’ve been able to see what he can do pretty closely and he’s really fit, he’s hard at it, got good skills as well,” Tucker said.

“(He’s) the same as Matt Johnson, they use their left and right foot with really good skills. Those two boys have really impressed me out on the track already.”

With Serong close to being back to full contact and Fyfe and Mundy likely to return to full training before the season starts, Tucker expects Fremantle’s coaches to have to make some difficult selection decisions.

The likes of Connor Blakely, Mitch Crowden and new recruit Will Brodie have also all been showing promising signs in the midfield as pre-season training ramps up.

“There’s plenty to like from all the boys, it’s hard to really single anyone out to be honest because everyone’s come back in really good nick and a level up from last year,” Tucker said.

“It’s going to push us and that’s what we need, everyone rising to another level and competing for spots.”

Whether he is on the inside or on the wing, Tucker expects to have to earn his place in Freo’s starting 22.

Both of Fremantle’s wing roles are seen as being up for grabs this summer, with the likes of Tucker, Blake Acres, Nathan O’Driscoll and Liam Henry playing in the roles in match simulations.

“I’m good friends with Blake Acres, he’s in ripping nick and is playing some good footy and running really well,” Tucker said.

“There’s Liam Henry who’s stepping up onto the wing this year as well and Nathan O’Driscoll. There’s some really good talent going through there I think.

“The competition for spots is always really healthy I think for our group, it’s good to see and it’s only going to push us to make each other better and reach that success that we’re hoping for.”

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