After reaching a semi-final in 2022, Caleb Serong knows the desire for Fremantle to return to finals football would burn bright as they watch the upcoming AFL finals series play out.

Serong admitted it would be tough to look on over the next month when the top eight teams battle it out in finals after Fremantle’s season came to a close with a 37-point win over Hawthorn at the MCG.

Serong was once again the dominant clearance player on the ground with nine, while also tallying 32 disposals, 10 score involvements, eight inside 50s, six marks and five tackles.

The inside midfielder said while difficult to miss finals in 2023, the belief was strong as Fremantle’s youth continue to develop over the coming seasons.

“I’ll be watching, it’s tough especially when we were there last year and got a taste for it,” Serong told Fox Footy post-game.

“It’s the time of year you want to be playing, you don’t want to be going on holiday in September.

“We are not playing just for this year, we have got a really young group that is building together.

“We are playing the long game, we are playing for next year, the year after and so on.

“We feel like this group can stay together for four, five, six years and do something pretty special.”

Serong was full of praise for first-year player Tom Emmett who has arrived on the AFL scene in a flurry, kicking two goals on Saturday for a second consecutive week.

Making his AFL debut just last week, Emmett had 10 score involvements against the Hawks and highly impressed with his pressure and tackling ability.

“He is a gun, when he first walked through the door he hit bodies pretty hard and during pre-season you would get worried about getting injured coming up against him!” Serong said.

“We knew it was what he was going to bring when he came into the side.

“I reckon the bandage will be a bit of a staple for him around his head, he is pretty tough.”

It was a family affair for both Serong and defender Luke Ryan with Caleb’s brother Jai and Luke’s cousin Brandon also lining up for the Hawks on Saturday.

“Me and Lukey Ryan were talking this morning about how we both have a family member playing,” Serong said.

“It’s bragging rights for the rest of the off-season!