Caleb Serong has backed Fremantle’s midfield to adapt to another line-up change against GWS with the forced omission of James Aish due to concussion.
 
In round 13 Fremantle leaned on 19-year-old Matthew Johnson to have more midfield minutes against Richmond with Jaeger O’Meara out with suspension.
 
Johnson trailed only Serong’s nine clearances with seven against the Tigers, while he also racked up 25 disposals and 12 contested possessions.
 
With O’Meara now available, Serong backed the likes of Johnson or fellow 2021 draftee Neil Erasmus to cover the loss of Aish.
 
“(The midfield line-up) has changed a little bit from the start of the year to now,” Serong said.
 
“With Jaeger coming back in this week and Aishy going out, it’s going to change again.
 
“It’s been really pleasing seeing those young guys come in and play their role. I think ‘Johnno’ has gone from strength to strength this year. He had a great pre-season.
 
“Neil as well, they had awesome blocks over the pre-season and off-season, they really got to work and got better.”

Serong said Erasmus could play a similar role to Aish by playing a mix of wing and inside midfield roles.
 
The 19-year-old has made three AFL appearances this year with one game full game against Hawthorn. He was subbed on against Brisbane and subbed off against Sydney.
 
In the WAFL on Saturday against Claremont, Erasmus led all Thunder players with 27 disposals while also laying six tackles.
 
“Even when Neil came in, he played an amazing role in our team playing that wing and mid role,” Serong said.
 
“He’s playing some really good footy in the WAFL as well. If he gets his opportunity this week, there’s no doubt he'll come in and perform.
 
“We’re quite young, we’re growing together, we’re learning together. There’s a lot of growth in us as a group and individually we’ll continue to learn and grow together which is great.”
 
Serong is also seeing growth in Fremantle’s forwardline, led by Jye Amiss who kicked four goals in the wet against Richmond.
 
“The way he’s playing is so important to the way we go about it,” Serong said.
 
“It’s not just the goals he’s kicking, he’s creating a contest forward of the ball. Him, Josh Treacy and Luke (Jackson) when he’s down there as well, for such a young key forward line, they’re competing really hard and coming up against really experienced guys.
 
“They’re able to hold their own and kick goals and compete for us which is amazing.”

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