Next Generation Academy graduates Josh Draper and Conrad Williams are officially Fremantle Dockers players after the Club listed them as Category B rookies on Wednesday.

Draper is a 197cm and 90kg key defender from Peel Thunder who played in the Thunder’s 2022 Colts premiership win.

Williams is a winger who hails from Kununurra and played Colts for Claremont, and brings elite speed to Fremantle’s list.

Josh Draper profile
Conrad Williams profile

They join fellow Tyrepower NGA graduates Liam Henry, Brandon Walker and Eric Benning on Fremantle’s list.

NGA manager Wade Spilcker was thrilled to see the NGA continue to produce AFL-listed players.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for both players and a reward for a lot of hard work that’s gone in over a number of years,” Spilcker said.

“Josh has been with the program from a really young age, has come through all of our different squads.

“He’s had his share of challenges over the past few years with injuries but to see him continue to progress the way that he has, is fantastic.

“Conrad is another sign of the vast talent that there is in the Kimberley region. He’s applied himself terrifically, he’s been down here at school and he’s gone out of his way to improve himself and make himself available to the program.”

The pair already have experience training with the Fremantle players, including throughout the 2022 pre-season.

“Our aim is to produce players who can have long-term careers at Fremantle, a part of that is making sure they’re ready to go on day one,” Spilcker said.

“It’s terrific for the program and it shows that we’re heading in the right direction.”

Head of Player Personnel David Walls said both Draper and Williams filled a need on the list.

“We had some good options in our NGA this year,” Walls said.

“It’s really fortunate from a list management point of view that we’re addressing that outside run on the wing with Conrad, and Josh is going to be super versatile as a 197cm and 92kg defender.

“Josh has played all over the ground including in the midfield and forward, but we think his best football was down back with his athleticism, closing speed and ability to read the game.

“Conrad has worked hard and got his 2km time trial down and played on the wing at Claremont and Hale.

“He will need to put some size on, but he has that line breaking ability and speed to play the wing role.”

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