Karl Worner is no stranger to putting in the hard work to improve his football.

After being overlooked in the 2020 draft and unable to play many games of football through Melbourne’s lockdowns, Worner put all his effort into becoming as fit as possible.

Working with Australian champion runner Craig Mottram, Worner went from being an average runner to an elite one – meaning when he was drafted to Fremantle as a rookie in 2021, he instantly became the best runner on the Club’s list.

18 months into his journey at Fremantle, Worner wants to add another asset to his game as he pushes to make his AFL debut.

“I’m focusing on my strength. I know my running is there and it will always be there,” Worner said.

“It’s something that I really pride myself on, being fit. It’s something that I’ve worked towards.

“Being at the Club, I’ve gotten a lot quicker, but I’m putting that strength in my legs and upper body as well, it makes such a big difference.

“Playing senior footy, you have to be strong. The main thing for me is that I’ve been getting a lot stronger.

“That is what I believe will take my game to the next level.”

Worner recently signed a two-year contract extension through to the 2025 season, and with his future secured, he is focusing squarely on making his AFL debut.

“Obviously you get really close to that taste (as the emergency), it can be hard sometimes when you get pretty excited that it might come around,” Worner said.

“I think the most important thing for me is if I keep trending in the right direction and keeping playing good footy, when my opportunity does come, I will be ready.

“It's always good to experience being so close to the AFL group, you learn a lot from a lot of mature and older players that have been there for a long time.

“You pick things off each other and it helps me continue my game.”

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