Fremantle boosted their tall forward stocks in the mid-season draft with the recruitment of the 199cm Sebit Kuek from East Perth and they may have added to it further with the recent switch of Griffin Logue to the forward line.
The athletic Logue has shone with his physical and aerial abilities as a defender, just four weeks ago breaking the Fremantle record for intercepts with 17 in a game against Gold Coast.
Logue's talent and ability was always clear to Fremantle, drafted at no.8 in 2016, but the 24-year-old now finds himself as a forward target since making the switch against Melbourne in round 11.
While his primary goal has been to nullify the opposition’s best forwards, Logue also impacted the scoreboard with two goals in Fremantle’s 14-point win against Brisbane.
Fox Footy analysist and former Fremantle opposition analyst Leigh Montagna believes Logue should remain as a forward this season.
“I think they’ve accidentally found themselves a genuine forward that can stay in the forward line,” Montagna said.
“He just doesn’t fit into their best back seven, which is quite amazing as he’s a very accomplished defender in his own right. They’ve had to move him forward to keep him in the side.
“Against Brisbane, he showed what he’s capable of, he’s got natural forward ability for a guy that’s never played there. In the last two games he’s taken seven contested marks playing as a forward, that’s a real weapon.
“He’s got athleticism, he can pressure, he’s got that defender’s mindset about him so he can do both sides of the ball. I think he can be a player that can stay in the forward line.
“It’s no coincidence that Fremantle’s scored 92 and 99 points since he’s gone there. He’s just helped them function better, he’s taken a bit of a load off Rory Lobb and it’s made a big difference. I think it’s been a real find that they have to stick with.”
Logue said he’s embraced the new role, joking about his love for celebrating a goal.
“I’m really enjoying it for sure,” Logue told 6PR post game.
“I think I’ve got a fair bit to learn, my athleticism has only carried me so far. I’ll definitely act like a sponge in the next couple weeks and try and sort it out a bit more.
“It’s been a single focus to make a contest, don’t let them get a mark, and if I can, bring it to ground and get the smalls involved.
“And I tell you what it’s a bit better celebrating a goal than a spoil in the back half!”
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