New key defender Hugh Davies couldn’t believe his luck when Fremantle selected him at no.33 as their opening selection of the 2022 NAB AFL Draft.
In drafting the 196cm Claremont Tiger, Freo added some much-needed youth and height to their defensive stocks.
He was later joined by forward Tom Emmett at no.41, ruckman Max Knobel at no.42 and winger / defender Corey Wagner at no.57.
Davies drew the attention of Fremantle’s recruiting team as the second-highest ranked key defender in the WAFL behind Jedd Busslinger, who was drafted at no.13 by the Bulldogs.
The 18-year-old said he was thrilled to be staying in WA.
“I just wanted to get picked by any club, but super stoked that the club is Freo,” Davies said.
“I wasn’t really paying attention and then all of a sudden I hear my family screaming and I look on the TV and I see my name. I was just like, what the?
“It’s probably the best feeling in the world because before I was so undecided, I didn’t know what was going to happen. Now I have some ground to stand on and can keep going from where I am.
“My Aunties are diehard Dockers fans, so they’ll be very happy.”
Despite his aunties’ delight, Davies said his father Stephen was the happiest to see him land in purple.
“Dad was so stoked, he would tear up a bit thinking I might go somewhere else so when he heard Freo he was the happiest man on the planet,” Davies said.
The 90kg Davies is ready to get to work and learn from Freo’s backline, which was the second best in 2022 for points conceded.
“Alex Pearce is really good and I liked Joel Hamling in the WAFL before he got injured,” Davies said.
“Brennan Cox has probably had the best year of his career this year so that’s been great to watch.”
Pick no.33 - Hugh Davies
Pick no.41 - Tom Emmett
Pick no.42 - Max Knobel
Pick no.57 - Corey Wagner
