Forwards coach Jaymie Graham is keeping watch on offseason recruit Josh Corbett after solid performances in Fremantle’s match simulations so far this pre-season.
Fremantle secured Corbett in a trade with Gold Coast, sending a future fourth round pick to the Suns in exchange.
The 26-year-old has 33 games to his name from four seasons, including a promising 2021 where he kicked 23 goals from 16 games.
He struggled for opportunity in 2022, missing nine weeks with a hip complaint and playing four games at AFL level, but was significant in the Suns’ push to the VFL preliminary final kicking 25 goals from 12 games.
“He is an in-between type size, but he works hard and we have seen him take a couple of good marks in match simulation,” Graham told SportFM.
“Josh can add to us from an on-field point of view, but off-field he is a quality character and has definitely added to us in that area from a culture point of view as well.
“He has fit in at the Club really well.”
SHOUTOUT: Josh Corbett with a strong tackle on Josh Draper results in holding the ball 🫡
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) January 20, 2023
Corb also presenting well & marking strongly overhead. #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/skqSxXIatY
Graham expressed that the ideal forward line mix was still yet to be decided, as further match simulations and expected pre-season hit outs against Adelaide and Port Adelaide are still yet to come.
“Corbett and Josh Treacy have looked good up forward and young Jye Amiss who we saw play some footy towards the backend of last year is showing some good signs - as well as Matt Taberner,” Graham said.
“It’s going to be interesting, we have also had our rucks (Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson) rotating through the forwards.
“It’s still a fair way off deciding what it looks like and that can change on any given week once we get going, but it’s all coming together.”
Graham also credited the Club’s small forward stocks in Lachie Schultz, Sam Switkowski, Michael Frederick, Bailey Banfield and Travis Colyer for their ability to find other avenues to goal in 2022 and hopes the impact of Freo’s smalls continues this season.
“That was probably one area that really did help last year, and we managed to score in other ways through their pressure,” Graham said.
“There is competition for spots which is important for every Club, that you have depth in every area.”