Caleb Serong may have been the clear winner of the 2023 Doig Medal, but the 22-year-old believes he wouldn’t have been capable of the feat without the support of the teammates he beat for the award.

The midfielder was particularly thankful to the teammate who finished second, in 2022 Doig Medallist Andrew Brayshaw.

In his winner’s speech, Serong spoke of his impatience in wanting to get to his best football as quickly as possible, and used Brayshaw as an example of what is possible.

It resulted in Serong winning the best and fairest at an age that was three months younger than Brayshaw’s achievement last year.

“I’m not here to wait around and wait for anything to happen,” Serong said.

“Seeing guys like Andy, he’s one of my best mates, and seeing him do what he’s done from such a young age showed me what’s possible.

“It’s motivated me every day to try and push for what he’s achieved.

“That’s something we do every day, we push each other and I really appreciate that.”

The co-vice captain went straight to Fremantle’s supporter base when asked who he’d like to thank to wrap up the evening.

“I’ll start with the fans and supporters of the Freo Footy Club,” Serong said.

“I still go back to the elimination final last year against the Bulldogs and that sound and what it felt like being out on that ground. That’s you guys, that’s your support, stick with us, we’re going in the right direction.

“To the players, my teammates, I love coming to work every day, I love how we challenge each other, I love the passion that we bring, the support we have for each other and how we celebrate each other’s successes.

“I know we’re building something really special within the four walls, I have so much confidence in the playing group we have at the moment.

“We’ve got so much of our first premiership side already in the four walls and I can’t wait to keep building with you guys.”

Serong was particularly thankful for the guidance of midfield coach Joel Corey.

“From the moment I walked in the doors at the footy club, I felt it was my family,” Serong said.

“One person I particularly want to thank is Joel Corey. Since he’s come to the Club, I’ve done a lot of work with him on my craft and things you wouldn’t really think about in terms of running patterns and body work.

“Thank you, I wouldn’t be up here without the teachings you’ve given me.”

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