Freo’s youngsters will need a big pre-season if they are to secure a place in the side for round one, according to new recruit Shane Kersten.
Kersten, 23, is one of a handful of players in the mix to earn a start in Fremantle’s revamped forward line, which could also welcome the likes of fellow new recruit Cam McCarthy, 21, as well as Harley Bennell, 24, who is yet to play for Freo after a year out through injury.
Both Kersten and McCarthy signed on to the club during last month’s AFL Trade Period, and share a similar background at Fremantle Oval as past players for South Fremantle in the WAFL.
“Cam’s a couple of years younger than me, so I haven’t had too much to do with him yet,” said Kersten when asked about their South Fremantle connection.
“I know a lot about him and I’ve met him a few times around the place in the last month or so.
“If we get that chance to play alongside each other in the next couple of years I’m sure it will be exciting. The forward line looks young and I’m not too sure what the future holds for us…everyone’s young and fresh and there’ll be a lot of competition for spots.”
Kersten shared some insight into his decision-making process about returning to WA, which was influenced by meeting with the club and touring the new primary home base at Cockburn Central West.
“I had a couple of meetings with (senior coach) Ross Lyon and (list manager) Brad Lloyd, and I just thought it was a good opportunity at this stage of my career to get back to Perth,” Kersten said.
“And obviously (being close to) friends and family…getting back here with my parents was a big one.”
Kersten also spoke of his close bond with former Western Bulldogs defender Joel Hamling, who also signed on with Fremantle during the trade period.
Kersten and Hamling spent two years together at the Geelong Cats after the pair were selected in the 2011 National Draft, and Kersten admitted to talking to Hamling about coming over to Freo.
“There was a little bit of that, it was probably more me trying to help him out with his decisions,” Kersten said.
“We had the odd chat every now and again, and we both knew what was ahead of us and the opportunity the Fremantle Football Club were willing to give us.
“He’s pretty excited about what the future holds for himself as well for the Fremantle.
“To be given this opportunity to play alongside each other is something pretty special and it will be good to get out there on the park and have a kick together.”
