The anticipation for the coming season is building within the playing group.
Just ask Hayden Ballantyne, who says he “can’t wait” to see what key forward Cam McCarthy can do in the purple guernsey.
McCarthy has been training with the club since October, but Ballantyne, who returned in late November, needed just a couple of weeks to get a feel of the 21-year-old’s potential.
“Watching a few of the new boys, Cam’s the one that stands out,” Ballantyne said.
“I never realised how much of a good runner he was. He’s a machine runner with great skills, a good clunk and he’s got a bit of oomph in him too.
“He doesn’t mind having a go with someone too, so I can’t wait to play with him.”
New signing Shane Kersten also joins Fremantle’s playing stocks up front with versatile draftee Brennan Cox waiting in the wings.
Alongside existing forwards Michael Walters, Michael Apeness and Matt Taberner, Ballantyne says everyone will be working hard to build a rapport.
“Something that people may have to understand is it may take a bit,” Ballantyne said.
“Hopefully, we can click, blend together and get some chemistry and we’ll be a team that’s hard to play against.”
Ballantyne is also working hard on reviving his 2014 form that earned All-Australian selection.
“I know what my best football looks like,” Ballantyne said.
“Injuries have played a bit of a role in that, I had a couple of significant injuries over the last couple of years but getting back to that form is my goal for 2017.
“It was a little bit frustrating not being able to get back to my best footy but anything is possible for this year and I’m looking forward to it.”
After breaking his jaw for the second time in three seasons in round 19 against the Swans, Ballantyne says he won't be holding back to prevent re-injury.
“If I think about trying to protect myself in a game, opportunities are missed, whether it’s laying a tackle or things like that,” Ballantyne said.
“Obviously I’m not going to change too much. I’ve got to try and help myself not get injured, but there’s a fair bit of metal in there now and hopefully that helps.
“Luckily enough it hasn’t been concussions, it’s just been bone damage which heals quickly enough, so I’m comfortable with that and I won’t change too much.”
