It would be hard to find a player more excited for Fremantle’s first AFL game at Optus Stadium, with new recruit Nathan Wilson fired up at the prospect of playing in front of the Purple Army for the first time.
The defender joined the club from GWS during the 2017 NAB AFL Trade Period, and Saturday night’s clash with Essendon will be his first chance to enjoy the home support as a part of the team he grew up following.
“I’m really excited. I want to see as much purple as I can,” Wilson said.
“At GWS, we were probably only getting 15,000 at Spotless a game.
“I think the Eagles had 53,000 (against Sydney in round one), so hopefully, we can beat them and see as much purple at Optus Stadium.”
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With bouncedown at 5:10pm, Wilson is looking forward to seeing the venue’s innovative lighting system in action.
“It’s just coming after night so after half time it will be a proper night game,” Wilson said.
“It will be good to see what the conditions are like and see how the lights hold up, I can’t wait.”
Fremantle will train at the venue on Thursday as one final opportunity to get acquainted with their new home ground.
“We’ve been there a fair bit, probably four or five times,” Wilson said.
“We’ve had a good run around but this will be our first one where we have a good crack and we’ll see how the boys feel on the new deck.”
