Fremantle leader Michael Walters said he’s enjoying the pressure applied by the club’s next crop of players as Freo approaches their JLT Community Series opener with Collingwood at Joondalup Arena on Monday.

Walters said there are a number of new and younger players who could have an impact in 2019.

“We’ve got a mature aged player in Brett Bewley. He’s a good player, a hard runner, ready-made AFL player. He’s big and has a good left foot,” Walters said.

“He’s going to be someone you need to watch out for. Lachie Schultz, Sam Switkowski, guys who keep me on edge as well which I’m excited about. Guys like that who are going to come in a play a big part this season.”

Walters said he expected to play a swingman role through the forward line and midfield and is hopeful of seeing the likes of Schultz compete for a spot in that forward line.

Schultz shone in the opening half in Friday’s intraclub game, kicking two goals and setting up another two. 

“Lachie played well in the intraclub game and that’s (due to) all the hard work that he put in,” Walters said.

“But you’ve also got guys like Switta (Switkowski), who has also put the work in on a consistent basis over the pre-season, so there’s going to be spots up for grabs.

“We just need the younger players to fast-track and it’s on us as leaders and coaching staff to fast-track them as quickly as we can, because the more pressure they put on us senior players the better we’re going to be.”

Walters was on a limited training load leading into February this pre-season but said he’s not expecting to be held back as he approaches the season. 

“I think I only played 75 per cent to 70 per cent during the intraclub game but, hopefully, I can play a bit more this first (JLT Seris) game,” Walters said. 

“The knee is fine. It was more precautionary with the tape and I think I’m going to carry that out through the rest of the year. The knee is really good so I’m just more excited to get into games.”