In front of the Freo faithful at a packed Victor George Kailis Oval, Fremantle split into two sides (purple and grey), playing around 120 minutes of gameplay in Sunday’s intraclub match. Here are four key takeaways from the game:

1. Forward threat

Widely expected by many, Josh Treacy once again made a statement that he is set for another big season. The physical beast was on fire in the purple team’s forward line, kicking three set-shot goals before halftime. The 22-year-old worked hard up the ground to provide an outlet kick, and his size and strength in marking contests were noticeable. Despite the grey side having an extra player in defence, Treacy still caused headaches for his opposing defender, finishing the day with five majors. After a breakout 45 goals in 2024, and still just 56 senior games to his name, Treacy will once again look to take his football to the next level. 

A viewpoint shared by teammate Jordan Clark.

“JT is always impressive, but that’s what we expect of him.” Clark said post-match.

2. Emerging defenders hold their own

Hugh Davies and Karl Worner faced tough challenges in the first half but held their own, rotating through several key matchups against the purple team’s forwards. The 20 and 22-year-olds, respectively, proved they have made significant strides over pre-season. Now entering their third and fourth seasons with the Club, Davies and Worner will aim to elevate their games and push for selection in Fremantle’s already strong defensive unit.

Worner played a key role in launching attacks from defence, taking multiple kickouts and breaking lines in the first half for the grey team before switching to the purple side for the second half.

Despite the grey side’s loss, Davies was one of the standout defenders, initiating several attacking plays from the backline after intercepting the ball and impacting contests. Both Worner and Davies are among Fremantle’s young talents that fans will enjoy watching develop and emerge in the coming years.
“I feel like we (the defensive unit) are in good stead, and we are building nicely for next week and Round 1,” Clark said.

3. Midfield maestro

Beyond his usual ball-winning ability in the middle and around stoppages, Caleb Serong showcased his goal-kicking skills. After a career-high 11 goals in 2024, Serong kicked four majors on Sunday. One of the highlights came when new draftee Murphy Reid weaved through traffic at the centre bounce before dishing a handball to Serong, who gathered at pace and launched a goal from outside 50 for his third. Serong finished the match with four goals.

“Caleb, he’s a superstar. He goes to work no matter what game he’s in, and he dominates,” Clark said.

4. Recruits get their chance

Most of Fremantle’s newest squad members were on display for the Freo faithful on Sunday. Shai Bolton showcased his full skill set—if he wasn’t contesting in the air, the dynamic forward was darting left and right, shimmying his way out of tightly congested contests and delivering to teammates by hand or foot. His work around the forward line and, at times, through the midfield did not go unnoticed.

The Club’s first selection in the 2024 AFL National Draft, pick number 17 Murphy Reid, displayed classy skills while working alongside established midfielders Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Luke Jackson. The 18-year-old was clean with ball in hand, working hard in the contest to extract the footy and propel his side forward. He helped set up Serong’s third goal of the day and was rewarded with a set-shot goal of his own in the first half.

Dual Supplementary Selection Period signings Quinton Narkle and Isaiah Dudley also impressed. Dudley found his groove in the second half, kicking multiple goals and narrowly missing another when a set shot from 50 clipped the post. Just nine days after learning he had earned a contract with the Club, Dudley adds valuable depth to Fremantle’s small forward stocks. Although Narkle has had a slower start to pre-season while being managed, the 27-year-old showed his AFL experience by playing a crucial link-up role in multiple plays. He was clean by foot and combined well with new teammates.

Father-son selection Jaren Carr put his running ability and endurance on display, working tirelessly along the wing from the first siren to the last. At 191cm, Carr can contest in the air, which he demonstrated by courageously running back with the flight of the ball into oncoming traffic to take a strong contested mark. As he develops and continues adding strings to his bow, Carr’s work rate and courage will be something Fremantle fans can look forward to watching.

Young ruckman Aiden Riddle battled hard all day against the bigger-bodied Liam Reidy. He held his own in the ruck contests and provided a strong marking target and link-up option around the ground. With time to develop under the guidance of Reidy, Jackson, and Sean Darcy, Riddle looks set to continue to develop his craft. His addition to the Club’s ruck stocks is sure to excite fans.

Fremantle will play one more pre-season game on Sunday 2 March, with an AAMI Community Series match against Melbourne at Rushton Park in Mandurah.