Sam Switkowski was arguably the most exciting player to watch in Monday’s match sim, rotating from the forward line through the midfield and having a significant impact both offensively and defensively.
Best known for his pressure as a forward, Switkowski made a few surprise appearances in the centre bounces in 2022 and Senior Coach Justin Longmuir hinted this could continue with the 26-year-old lining up alongside Sean Darcy, Caleb Serong and Jaeger O’Meara in the second period on Monday.
He immediately had an impact stopping a potential Andrew Brayshaw clearance with a tackle. At the next centre bounce, Switkowski won the clearance and hit Josh Treacy on the lead, who goaled from 40 metres out straight in front.
It came after Switkowski kicked the opening goal of the day, on the run from 35 metres out.
SEQUENCE: Switkowski & Stubbs combine as Switta finds the first of the day 🥅 #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/ktWww6sHhF
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) January 23, 2023
The temperature reached 34 degrees on Monday and Switkowski said the sessions had been challenging.
“It’s been very intense, this time of year the intensity is always up,” Switkowski said.
“Often there’s more mistakes because the pace lifts and there’s fatigue with the weather and we’ve only just started doing match sim.
“We’ve been able to get a truckload of match sim in, which is a credit to the guys and how fit they came back from the break and the work they did at Christmas.
“We’ve been able to practice our game plan. We’ve been refreshing our stoppages, kicking and zone structures and putting that all into practice.”
The biggest challenge Switkowski has faced in his 46-game career to date has been staying on the park.
After playing 18 games in 2019, he missed all of the 2020 season, played 12 games in 2021 and 14 games in 2022.
It means he has a clear focus in 2023.
“I’d love to just play a full season, it’s been a long time since I have,” Switkowski said.
“That’s probably number one, and how I make that happen is a variety of factors - consistency in my training and hoping for a bit of luck as well.
“At the same time, I need to keep improving my game, there’s a lot of competition for spots so you can’t get complacent. If you were in the 22 last year, it doesn’t mean it will happen again, so I have to keep improving and practicing my craft.”
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With Freo’s round one clash with St Kilda 55 days away, Switkowski feels everything is going to plan so far.
“I’m feeling really healthy at the moment,” Switkowski said.
“I’m building and gaining more confidence with my footy and I’m loving building the chemistry with the guys and the finals experience last year.
“Things are tracking upwards and I’m really excited for what we can produce this year.”
