Fremantle defensive pair Luke Ryan and Nathan Wilson are excited to share in the milestone celebrations, as Fremantle prepare to take on Port Adelaide at home on Sunday.
Ryan will bring up the ton with his 100th Fremantle game, while Wilson will celebrate his 150th AFL game (73 with Freo, 77 with GWS) in his first match of 2022.
The 26-year-old Ryan was overlooked in his first AFL draft before being taken at pick 66 by Fremantle as a 20-year-old in 2016.
While hard work and determination has earnt Ryan the 100-game honour, you’d be hard pressed to find a bigger supporter of his career than his mum, who is making the trip across the country to be in the Optus Stadium stands this weekend.
“(This milestone) is more for my mum, she is more rapt than anyone!” Ryan said.
“There are a few stories around of players that get overlooked (in drafts), but you just keep at it and who knows what could happen.
“I was more than happy to just play local footy and work with my mates, but nothing really tops this off.
“As long as we are winning games and I’m playing my role for the team, that is all that matters…if the boys are happy, then I am happy.”
Wilson was an impressive performer for Fremantle over the summer and in their pre-season interclub games before sustaining a shoulder injury in a pre-season game against West Coast at Optus Stadium.
The 29-year-old has since been unable to break into Fremantle’s in-form backline, instead playing eight games for Peel where he’s averaged 17.4 disposals and 5.5 marks per game.
Wilson had a season-high 20 disposals in Peel’s most recent clash with East Fremantle at the WACA at the weekend.
“(The milestone) means a lot, and I won’t reflect on it while I’m playing, but when I’m done I will,” Wilson said.
“Coming home to Perth (from the Giants) and playing AFL in front of my family and friends has meant a lot.
“I think I’m getting about 40 or 50 tickets for friends and family, so there will be a fair few there!
“The milestone is great, but I just want to go out and play my role, do my job and hopefully, get a win.”
