If Josh Treacy misses out on selection in round one against St Kilda, it won’t be from a lack of effort as he capped off an impressive pre-season with a strong showing against Port Adelaide on Thursday in a practice match.

The 20-year-old rookie draftee from 2020 has on multiple occasions showed he is capable of stepping into a forward/ruck role if needed this season, first in an Intraclub last month when Sean Darcy was unavailable, and then on Thursday with Luke Jackson on the sidelines.

While showing his competence as a ruck with six hitouts, he shone as a forward with two goals, two contested marks and five score involvements as he enhanced his credentials for a spot in Freo’s best 22.

Forward Assistant Coach Jaymie Graham credited Treacy’s work on his fitness, allowing the 195cm forward to move freely around the ground.

“We are pleased with JT, he has come back very fit and he is a lot lighter than last year,” Graham said.

“He is covering the ground and for him to be able to play second ruck today, but still bring energy in that area and then go forward and play his role, was great.

“We are rapt with the way JT is going.”

Treacy was one of five multiple goalkickers, including fellow tall Matt Taberner and Nat Fyfe – who kicked three goals as he played a ‘hybrid’ role between tall and small forward.

Jye Amiss is also in the frame for round one, but missed out on selection against Port Adelaide and instead ran out in a Peel intraclub.

Graham said Treacy would be deserving of selection against the Saints.

“He has put his hand up,” Graham said.

“We have to work out what our team looks like from a balance point of view - but he has done what he can do. He has controlled that and put his hand up.”

Graham added that he was pleased with medium forward Sam Sturt, who also kicked two goals.

Sturt’s position isn’t guaranteed with the likes of Michael Walters and Michael Frederick set to return from injury.

“It is important we have some depth and he came in and played his role,” Graham said.

“I thought he bought really good intensity in the contest as well with some of his pressure.

“We know he can be an offensive threat. We have Michael Frederick and Michael Walters as well who are pushing for round one and they will be training over the weekend, so it is good to have a bit of a squeeze for selection.”

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