A bigger and stronger Liam Henry hopes 2023 will be the year he can lock in a regular spot playing on the wing for Fremantle.
The departure of Blake Acres to Carlton means the likes of Henry, Nathan O’Driscoll, mature age draftee Corey Wagner and 2021 rookie selection Karl Worner are all in consideration for one of the two roles.
With Fremantle’s significant inside midfield depth, Senior Coach Justin Longmuir could also rotate the likes of Matthew Johnosn and Neil Erasmus through the outside.
Henry said he’s added size as he looks to play more regularly after earning AFL selection in just seven games in 2022.
“The aim is to put on a few kilos and get stronger each year,” Henry told SportFM.
“So that was definitely my goal, going away and get fitter. Hopefully that's worked out and I think I put a few kilos on from last year and I’m looking forward for the rest of the pre-season.
“The wing is my main focus at the moment, last year was my first introduction to playing wing in the AFL so I’m just trying to embed the role.”
Henry’s aim is to be able to enhance his ability to play off instinct.
“I feel I play better of instinct, so the more I can train the role, the more I can use my instincts when I go out on the footy field and play with a free mind,” Henry said.
“The coaches are looking at me in that potential role. I’ve also played a lot of forward in my time as well, so that could be a thing for me.”
Fremantle, alongside the rest of the AFL, are set for a three-week break over Christmas and New Year, with the players having their last session of the year on Wednesday.
Henry said there is a motivation to maintain their high training standards over the break.
“We’ve worked so hard to get to where we are, we don't want to throw that away from the Chrissy break,” Henry said.
“All the boys are cracking in and getting fitter and better to come back for next year.
“We want to build up to playing footy after Chrissy, so I think these sessions are pretty big.”