Joshua Draper has been nominated as the round 20 Telstra AFL Rising Star following his performance during Saturday’s RAC Derby 59 win.
“It feels good to get some recognition but I’m just going to focus on my role and keep doing my job for the team,” Draper said speaking at his Monday afternoon media conference.
Draper, who is of Ethiopian descent on his mother's side, was drafted to Fremantle from Peel Thunder as a Category B Rookie in 2022 after spending time in Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy since he was 13.
He was mentored by former Fremantle players Tendai Mzungu and Roger Hayden, something that the Rising Star credits for his on-field success.
“Tendai Mzungu and Roger Hayden have been essential for me and my development,” Draper said.
“Coming through the ranks of the NGA they give you the skills to succeed both on the field and off the field.”
Experienced defender and backline mentor of Draper, Luke Ryan was the one who announced the good news in front of the group, in something that Draper insisted was ‘really special’ for him.
“It was really special, getting words from him (Luke Ryan) as well as he’s been a big mentor for me,” he said.
“Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox as well, all the key defenders are helping me with my game.”
Drapers nomination comes after he gathered a career-high 18 disposals (six kicks, 12 handballs) at 94 per cent efficiency, four marks, three intercept possessions and 207 meters gained in Saturday's 35-point RAC Derby win.
It’s not the first time Draper has stood tall for the Club, playing 16 games since making his debut in round two earlier this year, the young key defender has frequently matched up on some of the league’s best key forwards while filling in for injured teammates.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for me to play against those keys (forwards) and get the experience now and just develop,” Draper stated.
“Against Carlton and Charlie Curnow earlier in the year, he’s one of the best forwards in the competition and it gave me the confidence that if I’m playing to my best then I can play at the level.
“We are a six verse six backline so there isn’t always a direct matchup, I just focus on my role and what I can do for the team.”
This was highlighted in Fremantle's one-point win against the Swans, with the 20-year-old standing tall in the absence of captain Alex Pearce, taking eight marks, seven intercept possessions, four rebound 50s, and 14 disposals at 86 percent efficiency, being involved in a number of critical moments in the game's final minutes.
