Senior coach Ross Lyon said it was pleasing to see Fremantle’s younger players take a step up in Friday’s intraclub practice match at Victor George Kailis Oval.
While most of the attention was placed on the performance of Fremantle’s new look forwards – with Matt Taberner and Jesse Hogan combining for five goals – Lyon said the playing group can take heart from the efforts of the younger players.
“It was pleasing to see our competitive spirit,” Lyon said.
“We set the teams up to be even rather than a probable (starting 22) and a possible, so therefore it was really tight.
“Our young players look to have trained on and improved. This includes Stefan Giro, Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra, Brennan Cox, Griffin Logue and Sean Darcy, those types of guys.
“And then you have new guys Jesse Hogan, Rory Lobb and Travis Colyer really getting involved as well.”
Lyon added that he saw a bit in midfielder Tom North, who will be pushing for a debut in his second year in the AFL system.
“Tom got his hands on the ball. Those young guys with another summer under their belt, they should improve and that’s what we’re seeing,” Lyon said.
“It was a little bit of a scramble in the second half a little bit more and at times it opened up.
“We have a little bit of midfield talent out at the minute with Nat Fyfe, Bradley Hill and Nathan Wilson at the AFLX, and Connor Blakely, Stephen Hill and Reece Conca didn’t play either, so there’s a bit to like from what we saw but again it’s small steps.”
Mature aged forward Lachie Schultz shone brightest from Fremantle’s newest draftees, kicking two goals and setting up another two up to half time.
“Lachie got a bit of the ball, particularly in the first half so there are some reasonable signs there,” Lyon said.
“Sam Sturt off half-back, he showed his natural speed and kick so that was pleasing as well and Brett Bewley worked hard.”
Lyon now has the tough task to decide on Fremantle’s starting 26 for the opening JLT Community Series game against Collingwood on Labour Day on Monday 4 March at Joondalup Arena.
“It’s going to be difficult because everyone’s quite vibrant and fresh but it will be the first disappointment for some, it’s a squad of 26 so not everyone can play,” Lyon said.
“We’ll work through that as it comes across our desk. Every session, you want to work them as hard as you can without losing anyone so player availability is a key and that’s improving, so that’s a priority at the minute before we get to selection.”
Lyon said the players would continue to keep their focus on round one with a four-day break starting on Saturday.
“They’re going to the break but we want them to enjoy themselves but it’s important that the season is coming quickly and they need to apply themselves,” Lyon said.
“It’s about having a good break and coming back ready to go and doing with what’s been put in front of them by our high performance manager.”
