Senior Coach Justin Longmuir is hopeful two of Fremantle’s young stars will receive deserved recognition for their efforts throughout a difficult 2023 season for the Club.
In Wednesday’s media conference, Longmuir was asked for his opinion on Caleb Serong’s chances of being named All Australian, as well as Jye Amiss in the Rising Star award.
Serong is currently ranked third in the AFL for disposals, seventh for contested possessions and fifth for clearances despite playing one less game than most of the top midfielders.
Longmuir said both players wouldn’t be concerned by individual honours, but said Serong was especially deserving for his season.
“I know neither of those two will be too caught up in that. They're purely driven by team success and purely driven to be their best self and look at personal honours as a by-product,” Longmuir said.
“Serong has been outstanding. He's been consistently our best performer, so if you're asking, I think he deserves an All Australian spot absolutely. I don’t think there's been a more consistent player. That's where I sit on it.”
Sitting on 38 goals for the year, the 20-year-old Amiss is looking to become the youngest Fremantle player to kick 40 goals in a season.
Paul Medhurst is currently the youngest to achieve the feat at 21-years-old in 2003, followed by Michael Walters (22-years-old in 2013) and Matthew Pavlich (23-years-old in 2005).
While Longmuir didn’t say Amiss was the standout in the running for the award, he believes he should be alongside the other favourites which include North Melbourne’s Harry Sheezel, Brisbane’s Will Ashcroft and St Kilda’s Mitch Owens.
“I think he should be talked about in the same way that the other best young players are spoken about,” Longmuir said.
“He plays a really tough position, he's matched up against the best key defender most weeks and he's getting up towards 40 goals. He's had a great season.”
Fremantle are currently preparing to take on Port Adelaide on Sunday at Optus Stadium, where Freo will wear a retro kit from their 2001 to 2005 seasons.
Longmuir said the midfield battle would be crucial, with Port Adelaide boasting some young stars in Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis.
“They're building one of the best midfields in the comp and they're good ball hunters,” Longmuir said.
“They're explosive once they win the contest and they turn contest wins into scoring opportunities.
“We have to get it done as a collective this week, it feels like our midfield has been in good form.
“It's going to be a step up and a challenge, it’s one we're really looking forward to.”
Gallery: Main training in the retro jumper
Injury update: Round 23
