Fremantle has announced that Liam Reidy will make his AFL debut this weekend against the GWS Giants at Engie Stadium on Saturday.
The 24-year-old ruckman was selected by Fremantle with pick 13 in the 2022 Rookie Draft and has since featured 31 times for Peel Thunder’s league side.
The 204cm big man’s WAFL form has been undeniable, averaging 44.38 hit-outs, 11 disposals, and four tackles per game in his 13 appearances in 2024.
Speaking after the announcement, Reidy said he had to earn his AFL opportunity.
“It was announced to the whole Club that I’ve got the debut,” Reidy declared with a smile.
“I’m super pumped. All the boys got around me, and I’m keen to go out there and perform on Saturday.
“It’s been a long year, and I’ve had to earn my opportunity, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Reidy also credited Fremantle legend Aaron Sandilands for helping him develop his ruck craft both on and off the field.
“My biggest thing is probably physicality and just having a presence around the ground being one of the biggest on the deck,” Reidy said.
“If I can hit a couple of contests pretty hard and make it easier for the smaller blokes, then that’s what I’m looking to bring.
“Sandi (Sandilands) is a great man and a superior ruckman as well, so just being able to pick his brain out on the deck or off the field, being able to converse with him and work through ruck craft, is super handy to have on your side.
“I’m keen to keep on working on that, and I’ve already found a lot of development in that relationship.”
Since learning of his AFL debut, Reidy reflected on a whirlwind couple of years that has seen him undergo a significant physical transformation, from playing local football in Victoria to making his journey West to follow his AFL dream.
“It was a pretty crazy move from Victoria over here, but everyone has made it super good and pretty easy to fit in with all the boys,” Reidy said.
“I was kind of reflecting last night on where I’ve come from four years ago, playing local footy.
“I’ve put on 20-odd kilos, so a lot has changed in that time, and it’s pretty crazy, but I knew I had to put on weight and get after it.
“I feel at home here, so it’s been a really good move. I’m eager to come in every day to work and get after it. Thanks to the people around who helped me and pointed me in the right direction.”
Fremantle’s final team of 23 players will be announced at 4:20pm WST this afternoon.
