Fremantle have selected Aiden Riddle with pick 7 in the Telstra AFL Rookie Draft.

DOB: 27-12-2005
Drafted From: Claremont
Height: 200cm
Position: Ruck

Riddle is a developing ruckman who presented well athletically at the Draft Combine with his speed and agility.

He has strong athleticism, ruck craft and marking abilities, performing well for both Western Australia and Claremont.

Fremantle Head of Player Personnel David Walls said Riddle is a strong, versatile tall with the ability to play multiple roles.

"Aiden’s a 19-year-old from Claremont, and is a ruckman who can go forward," Walls said.

"We also see him potentially having the ability to play at centre-halfback.

"He's improved significantly over the last 12 months – he got himself a lot fitter and was covering the ground a lot better. He’s pretty mobile and has a beautiful kick of the footy and knows how to kick a goal when up forward.

"He's really dedicated himself to his footy. He’s now 200cm and dropped a minute on his two-kilometre time trial as well in the last 12 months."

Fremantle were committed to re-drafting ruckman Max Knobel with their selection before the Gold Coast SUNS selected Knobel with pick No. 4. 

Walls noted that although the Club was committed to redrafting Knobel, a situation like this is always a chance.

"We had committed to pick Max in the Rookie Draft," Walls said.

"It was a list spot squeeze where you have to have your three national picks in the Draft.

"It's always a potential when you send a delisted player back that they can get picked by another Club, and in this case Max has.

"We wish him all the best and thank him for his professionalism and how he’s applied himself over the last two years - he now heads to the Gold Coast for his next opportunity.

"We move forward with our ruck profile in Luke and Sean. We’ve got Liam Reidy and now Aiden to continue developing."