Corey Wagner feels it’s fitting that his return to the game’s biggest stage will come via a suburban footy ground.
 
Fremantle have confirmed the defender will make his Club debut in Friday’s Gather Round clash with Gold Coast at Norwood Oval, marking 1324 days between games at the highest level for the defender.
 
A former North Melbourne and Melbourne player, Wagner arrived at Fremantle when he was selected at no.57 in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft in November.
 
“Norwood Oval is a small ground, it’s local footy and I’m used to local footy. It will be a good one to settle the nerves in and get straight into it,” Wagner said.

The 26-year-old last played in the AFL when he was 22, and he felt his delisting from Melbourne in 2019 marked the end of his AFL dream.
 
In 2022 he worked as an estimator in Melbourne while starring for Port Melbourne in the VFL at half back.
 
Wagner said having a focus outside of the game helped rekindle his love for football, which unexpectedly opened the door for his return to the AFL.
 
“The last few years I thought the dream was over. I always had that fire in the belly to get back here but I focused on a career outside of footy,” Wagner said.
 
“With that, it freed me up and I started playing good footy. Down back I’m allowed a lot of run and to play a free game, see the game up forward and set some goals up.
 
“I’m a bit of a journeyman who hasn’t played many games. I’m really excited, I feel really comfortable with the group and the coaches and I’m ready to pull on the jersey.”

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Wagner joined his teammates in Adelaide on Monday but didn’t know if his selection was locked in.
 
“It was exciting news, to come over here. Nothing was guaranteed but to know I was travelling meant I was in the mix,” Wagner said.
 
“The nerves didn’t go too hard, I was just really excited to get over here.”
 
Wagner said his return to the AFL was received joyously by friends and family.
 
“My fiancée Michaela started crying, Mum and Dad are so happy. Everyone was really excited to see me go again and start a new journey,” Wagner said.
 
“They’re all coming from different areas. Michaela is coming over from WA, Mum and Dad and my brothers are coming from Queensland and I have a few coming over from Melbourne that are driving and flying. There will be a good crew!”

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