Young Fremantle tall Alex Pearce is an exciting positive to come out of the 2015 season, says Garrick Ibbotson.

Pearce has impressed with his versatility playing both in the forward and back lines in his 13 games since debuting in round 6 against Essendon.

Ibbotson, who played alongside the Tasmanian product in defence, said he was looking forward to watching him develop further over the pre-season.

“I played alongside Alex in the backline but his ability to go forward is a real strength,” he said.

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“I didn’t know he had played forward as a junior.

“For someone to come in, who has only played a handful of games, he has played really well as a key defender.

“For him to then be able to go forwards as well is really exciting for us.”

Pearce was taken at pick 37 in the 2013 National Draft and impressed in the pre-season running among the top times in the 3km time trial.

Ibbotson said Matt Taberner and Michael Apeness were also exciting prospects for 2016.

He expected the young talls to work hard over the pre-season on their craft.

“We’re looking for all our younger guys to improve,” he said.

“They are always trying to improve.”