Developing Fremantle midfielder Darcy Tucker was happy to have the chance to show his versatility during Fremantle’s JLT Community Series opener against Collingwood at Joondalup Arena on Monday.
The 22-year-old shone in multiple roles as a young Fremantle midfield faced a tough test against Collingwood’s highly rated engine room.
While Collingwood won the day with a 27-point victory, Freo’s midfield held their own against the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Dayne Beams, winning the clearances 41 to 38, contested possessions 168 to 163 and the inside 50s 60 to 46.
“I felt we competed well. We were up on ground balls and tackles so it shows, even with a young midfield, we really competed and we got the ball forward,” Tucker said.
“We were up on entries as well, so I think we just needed to make the most of our opportunities and improve our decision making, but overall, we really competed and it was a good first hit-out.”
Tucker saw the opportunity to step up with Freo’s midfield missing the likes of captain Nat Fyfe, Connor Blakely and Reece Conca on the day.
Tucker had 20 possessions (15 contested), five clearances and four inside 50s and his 13 tackles were more than double of any other player.
“Tackling was always one area I’ve wanted to improve on,” Tucker said.
“I’ve been trying to get amongst it and get in the action and compete as hard as I can, so it’s great to get some tackles but I have to bring that again next week.”
Tucker said he enjoyed the challenge of playing on some of the AFL’s best.
“I played mostly inside midfield for the first half and tried to be more of a defensive midfielder on a couple of their players like Beams and Sidebottom,” Tucker said.
“For the second half, I went out to the wing as well. I mixed it up a bit and I’m just trying to grow both of those areas.
“Every practice game we play is a good opportunity to prove yourself, so I went out there and tried to do the best I could and I’ll be trying to back that up next week against West Coast.”
Tucker credited fellow young midfielder Andrew Brayshaw for his efforts, with the 19-year-old tallying 25 disposals, six marks and four clearances.
“Andy went toe to toe with Pendlebury as well and, obviously, Pendles is a great player,” Tucker said.
“Brayshaw stood up and got a fair bit of it so it was good to see.”
