The excitement about Fremantle’s potential in 2018 and beyond is building within the club, particularly at the top through senior coach Ross Lyon.

Speaking at Optus Stadium, where Fremantle will face Gold Coast in the Starlight Purple Haze Game on Saturday, the 264 AFL game coach said he was getting as much enjoyment from coaching Freo’s emerging group of young players as he ever has in his career.

“We are young and we’re excited to be working through the process of developing a great team,” Lyon said.

“That’s going to take some time but we’re trying to run a dual narrative of developing in the long term and getting wins in the short term.

“To see (first-year players) Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra, Mitch Crowden and Bailey Banfield, with a few more below...it’s a really exciting time in my coaching career. I’m thrilled.”

Lyon said Saturday’s clash was an opportunity for the team to consolidate their impressive 16-point victory against Essendon in round two at Optus Stadium.

“AFL football’s about consistency and backing it up,” Lyon said.

“Even teams in a premiership year, you make finals you can finish top four and lose seven games.

“You’re going to have some ups and downs but it’s just about consistency over the whole year.”

Be part of the 2018 Starlight Purple Haze Game! Grab your tickets on game day from Ticketmaster outlets at Gates A,B,C,D & E from 11.45am. 

Lyon’s outfit bounced back from a disappointing 50-point loss against Port Adelaide in round one to defeat the highly-rated Bombers the following week.

“I don’t think we were as bad as everyone thought in round one, I thought we tried really hard but failed in our method,” Lyon said.

“We played a really good football team, so you don’t have to do much wrong to find yourselves on the wrong end of it. (Port Adelaide’s) form is stacking up I’d suggest.”

With the unbeaten Gold Coast Suns following a similar trajectory, Lyon said it was important for fans to keep the atmosphere of the Freo Fortress working in the team’s favour. 

The game will be the first “away” game played in Perth by a WA-based AFL team against an interstate side, with the Suns’ Metricon Stadium unavailable due to the Commonwealth Games.

“We’re excited by the challenge and it’s an historic day,” Lyon said.

“Our members and fans have jumped behind it and we’re expecting over 30,000 fans.

“Clearly, they like the footy we played last week and it’s also the Starlight Purple Haze Game.

“We’re really supportive of the Starlight Foundation and the children’s Starlight Wishes and our members understand they need support, so they’ve dug in financially.

“We’re thrilled with the response (through ticket sales) and we’d love even more to come through the door.

“Last week, that support, the noise and the crowd level really helped. It would be great if we could start well and bring them into the game again.”