Defender Nathan Wilson has secured another year at Fremantle, signing on for the 2023 season.
The 29-year-old has been limited to two AFL games this season, including his 150th AFL game played against Port Adelaide, in a sign of the impressive depth of the Fremantle backline.
The Mandurah product has instead embraced playing an almost full season at Peel Thunder, a Club he originally played for in the Colts before being signed to GWS as a 17-year-old.
He’s played 13 games at WAFL level so far this season, highlighted by his most recent appearance with 32 disposals against West Coast.
Wilson has embraced his role at Peel and has seen it as an opportunity to lead and impart his knowledge on the young Freo and Peel players.
“I’ve enjoyed this year, it’s been great,” Wilson said.
“Obviously, you’re here to play AFL but I’m taking my leadership down to Peel and it’s something different. It’s been good and I’m enjoying building on that.”
The fifth placed Peel are looking to join Fremantle as a finals playing team, needing a win on Sunday at Rushton Park against the sixth placed Swan Districts in what is a virtual elimination final to make the top five.
Peel have form on their side, winning five of their past six games.
“I feel like the group that’s played down there has really embraced it. You’ve seen that in the last few weeks,” Wilson said.
“Hopefully the boys can get it done on Saturday night (against the Western Bulldogs) and we can win on Sunday and join them by playing finals.”
Head of Player Personnel David Walls said Wilson could play more often at AFL level in 2023 after an ‘unlucky’ start to the season where he injured his shoulder in a pre-season clash with West Coast.
“Nathan hasn’t had much luck, and when he came back and forced his way into the side and played well, it was a tough call for him to come out,” Walls said.
“His attitude has been outstanding. He’s worked extremely hard and we know he’s got a lot of AFL footy left in him.”
Walls said Wilson provides important bounce off half back.
“We know Nathan can come in and play when needed, he’s a running defender and we don’t have a lot of them on our list,” Walls said.
“Nathan gives us pace, carry and overlap run and is damaging with his ball use.
“We definitely see him playing a fair bit of footy next year for us.”
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