When looking back at the 2017 season, senior coach Ross Lyon highlighted the development of Fremantle’s young players and leaders as especially crucial.
At the start of the year, the playing group installed two new members to the leadership group in Lachie Neale and Michael Walters, as well as a young captain in Nat Fyfe.
Talking at the Doig Medal Presentation DInner on Saturday night at Crown Perth, Lyon said he’s seen the group come on in leaps and bounds since his arrival at Fremantle in 2012.
“(The development of Fremantle's leaders) was really pleasing. In particular 'Son Son' (Walters) and Lachie Neale,” Lyon said.
“When I first arrived at the club, Lachie was drafted in, 'Sonny' was still finding his feet and Nathan was emerging.
“For them to work hard in the ensuing five years and to be respected by the peers and get anointed into the leadership group involved great growth from them.”
With Fremantle boasting a history of great leaders, Lyon said he's seen the trio fill some big shoes.
“They’ve got a big responsibility because they’ve taken over two of the greatest leaders in the club’s history in Matthew Pavlich and Luke McPharlin.
“They learned quickly that it’s harder than it looks, but they’ve found their feet - particularly when we were under siege after round two.“
"The way they led through that seven-week period when we won six out of seven, it’s as good of a modelling of leadership that I’ve seen in my time at Fremantle, so it all bodes well for next year.”
