Looking at Anthony Morabito now, you could be forgiven for thinking he’s an entirely different player from the midfield livewire who debuted in 2010.
His run and ball use through the midfield at 19 years of age turned heads, and was rewarded as he played 23 games his debut season.
Morabito’s injury problems have been well documented, a string of knee reconstructions limiting him to just three games since his breakout year.
‘Mora’ has been more defensive in his approach this pre season, often lining up on key forwards Matt Taberner and Matthew Pavlich in training.
Teammate Connor Blakely spoke about Morabito’s size, speed and versatility being a real asset as a defender.
“He can play on smalls and talls,” Blakely said.
“He’s so quick, so he can play on smalls, and he’s so big as well, big and strong, he’s a huge guy.
“I think he’s 93 or 94kg, so he can play on both.”
Could a move from midfield to key defender be what Morabito needs for a career resurgence?
Freo have had a history of players finding success in new positions.
Matthew Pavlich
Despite being an All-Australian key forward six times in his career, Freo’s need for an experienced big body in the midfield saw Pavlich move up the field between 2009 and 2011. The move saw ‘Pav’ average over 20 disposals a game twice in three seasons, a feat he’d only achieved one other time in his career (2004).
Nat Fyfe
Fyfe debuted in 2010 as a rangy, lean, mid-sized forward with the hopes of developing into a goal scoring half-forward flanker. Several pre-seasons and extensive time in the weight room saw Fyfe move into the midfield, and while he still retained his ability to pressure the scoreboard, the move established him as one of the premier players in the competition.
Luke McPharlin
Originally recruited out of East Fremantle as a key forward, McPharlin was traded from Hawthorn to Fremantle and with that change came a change of position. He found his feet in the Freo backline and established himself as one of the dominant defenders of the 2000’s. McPharlin’s athleticism, ability to read the play and contested marking proved him to be a savvy defender and resulted in being named at full back in the 2012 All-Australian team.
Chris Tarrant
An All Australian forward pocket in 2003 for Collingwood, Chris Tarrant was well renowned for his leading, steady hands and contested marking ability. He was traded to Fremantle in 2006 with the hopes of forging an imposing forward duo with Matthew Pavlich, but after two disappointing seasons was trialed as a key defender. Tarrant found his niche as a ‘run with’ key defender, compiling two solid seasons at Freo before becoming a key cog in defence during Collingwood’s run at the Grand Final in 2011.
