As the countdown towards the official pre-season matches ramp up, friends and family of the playing group were invited to the Cockburn ARC facilities to watch on as players took part in three segments of 18 v 18 match simulation. 

The main session began with some light running before the action-packed match simulation took centre stage, allowing on-looking family and friends to get a glimpse at the hard work the players have been putting in during the pre-season. 

Here are three takeaways from the Purple v White matchup at Friday’s session.

1) Sean Darcy registers first match sim minutes for the year

For the first time in 2024, Sean Darcy (white) joined the main group, entering the match simulation in the third segment of the session. 

Darcy was on restricted minutes during the last segment of play, which ran for roughly 30 minutes, but it was a positive sign as the 203cm ruckman builds towards being available for Fremantle’s round one matchup against last year’s grand finalists, Brisbane Lions. 

The 25-year-old instantly provided a marking target down the line, ensuring he brought the ball to ground for his smaller teammates to gather.  

Late in the game, Darcy pushed forward and took a strong mark in the pocket. 

Meanwhile, fellow ruckman Luke Jackson (purple) was superb, providing a target all around the ground, highlighting his ability to play multiple roles and impact wherever needed.  

2) Serong out the middle 

Coming off a career-best year in 2023, Caleb Serong’s (white) ability to impact the game from the centre was on full display as the reigning Doig Medallist combined with key forwards to put up multiple goal assists. 

Serong’s work from the centre bounce and around stoppage was second to none as the 22-year-old laced out multiple teammates from clearance.  

On numerous occasions, Serong burst from the centre circle before lowering his eyes and pin-pointing a pass to Josh Treacy (white) and Jye Amiss (white). 

Both key forwards made the most of the opportunities created by Serong, kicking multiple majors between the two. 

The connection between the forward group was evident as they created space for Amiss and Treacy to lead into.  

3) Voice of senior players

Direction and leadership were loud and clear from several Club leaders and five-plus-year players during Friday’s match simulation. 

Club captain Alex Pearce (white) was extremely reliable and composed. His leadership and presence around the ground could be felt as the key defender remained defensively strong all morning, barely losing a one-on-one matchup.

The 28-year-old’s voice and leadership could be heard from the sideline as he continuously directed traffic and organised the team from his defensive 50. 

Despite finding a bunch of his own ball, Jordan Clark’s (white) voice was prominent in and around defence as he guided younger teammates, facilitating exits out of defence. 

His leadership was highlighted in the second term of match simulation as he worked with Hugh Davies (white) from inside defensive 50 to move the ball up the wing, resulting in Cooper Simpson (white) getting on the end of the play and accelerating away from his opponent to kick a goal. 

Bailey Banfield’s (white) voice was a constant presence at stoppages in the first half of the match simulation as he directed younger teammates in and around the contest.

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