The small forward combination of Lachie Schultz and Sam Switkowski is shaping as one of Fremantle’s most dangerous weapons ahead of the 2023 season.
Having only played 28 AFL games together so far, the pair are hopeful of running out alongside each other as much as possible in 2023 – with their goalkicking and forward pressure a vital cog to Freo’s success.
Schultz’s star shone bright last year, playing all but one game for the season – including a Glendinning-Allan Medal winning performance in the round three RAC Derby.
He totalled a career-high 30 goals for the season and finished as Fremantle’s second-highest goal scorer, while also leading the Club in goal assists.
Schultz highlighted his on-field connection with Switkowski, and hopes the newly elected Fremantle leader is able to string together a consistent run of games this season.
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“We have started to play a lot of footy together now that we know each other’s game inside and out,” Schultz told 6PR.
“It’s having the trust in each other that we know what we are going to get out of each other… we can go out there and know exactly how the other one is going to play and where they will be at all times.
“If we can get some more footy out of him, that will go a long way to us being a really successful side.”
Schultz said having Switkowski by his side has only enhanced his own game, instilling him with the confidence to execute his trademark pressure game.
Switkowski’s pace and versatility has also proved advantageous over the summer, having enjoyed increased minutes running through the midfield in intraclub and match sim hitouts.
“It’s a handy thing to have Switta get up the field, get in and under and get into stoppages and bring his speed and evasiveness to the contest,” Schultz said.
“It gives me a lot more confidence to apply my pressure and strengths when it is my turn.
“We know how each other work around the tall forwards, inside 50 and how we each will get up the ground as well.”
Scoreboard impact aside, Schultz also further carved out his place as one of the competition’s best pressure forwards, ranking first for Freo in tackles inside 50 and finishing top five for the Club in tackles and pressure acts.
“I pride myself on being a pressure forward - it’s sort of a niche role, the small forward,” Schultz said.
“I go into games with the mindset of bringing as much pressure and harassing the opposition defenders as best I can and make life a little bit easier for the rest of the boys.
“I do have a very attacking mindset as well, so my eyes do light up when I have the opportunity to kick a goal.
“It’s probably a defensive first mindset and then if I do that well it leaves me in really good positions to attack.”
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