First-year midfielder Tom North says he’s embraced learning a new game plan since his arrival at Fremantle in November.
Hailing from the Eastern Ranges, North is taking everything in when training under the tutelage of senior coach Ross Lyon.
“I’m learning a lot. There’s a lot of defensive work because Ross is obviously big on that.
“It’s a new thing to my game, so there’s a lot of defence, hard work and all the little things, which is learning off Fyfey (Nat Fyfe) and (Lachie) Neale and those guys.
“All the boys are very welcoming and treating us well, so it’s going well.”
With the aim of starting the season in Peel’s league side, North expects to be fully fit and able to complete full training sessions with Fremantle squad by the end of next month.
Along with his fellow draftees, North is slowly building up to a full training load.
“My fitness was something that I needed to focus on,” North said.
“I think I’m getting there…by the end of the pre-season I’ll be close to 100 per cent (training load).”
North’s ultimate goal for 2018 is to make an AFL debut, however the inside midfielder understands he faces strong competition for a spot.
North is just one of a handful of talented midfielders in his draft class alone - including top-10 picks Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra – who are looking to join the likes of Fyfe, Neale and David Mundy in Fremantle’s midfield.
“Obviously, I’d love to play a (Fremantle) game,” North said.
“Whether it’s early or late in the season. Obviously, I want to earn my stripes and see where I’m at in the main group.”
