With pre-season training beginning next week fremantlefc.com.au is taking a look at the players to watch in 2016.
Tommy Sheridan
Games: 38
Age: 22
Debut: Round 23, 2012 v Melbourne
Draft: Pick 16, 2011 National Draft
Popular amongst the playing group and coaching staff, Sheridan was one of Freo’s best young players in his 19 games in 2015.
He played in round one, collecting 21 disposals but a leg injury had him sidelined until he forced his way into the side in round seven.
Sheridan played the remaining 18 games of the year and seems likely to play most games in 2016.
He had 22 touches in the Preliminary Final against Hawthorn, but will be eager to make amends for an infamous fumbled mark in the final quarter that ended with a Hawks goal.
Harley Bennell
Games: 81
Age: 23
Debut: Round 2, 2011 v Carlton
Draft: Pick 2 2010 National Draft (Gold Coast)
The former Gold Coast Sun is a proven match-winner and may relish playing with a more experienced group at Fremantle.
His pace, ball-use and goal sense, could be a useful tool as Fremantle searches for more goal scoring opportunities in 2016.
It will be intriguing to watch how he fits into Fremantle’s settled midfield but his leg-speed across Domain Stadium is likely to excite fans.
Connor Blakely
Games: 1
Age: 19
Debut: Round 23, 2015 v Port Adelaide
Draft: Pick 34 2014 National Draft
A midfielder considered in the mould of All Australian David Mundy, Blakely was among the most consistent ball-winners with Peel Thunder in the WAFL.
Another player with a big engine, Blakely competes fiercely in midfield drills at training and finds his way through traffic with ease.
He debuted in round 23 against Port Adelaide picking up 12 disposals but, as with all the club’s young on-ballers, will find it hard to break into the strong midfield.
Alex Pearce
Games: 13
Age: 20
Debut: Round 6, 2015 v Essendon
Draft: Pick 37 2013 National Draft
The young tall played 13 games in 2015 after debuting in round six, and showed promise as a defender and forward.
His ability overhead and his big engine, for a player who stands 196cm frame, are exciting propositions.
The retirement of Luke McPharlin will open the door wider for the young Tasmanian product.
Brady Grey
Games: 1
Age: 20
Debut: Round 23, 2015 v Port Adelaide
Draft: Pick 58 2013 National Draft
The versatile midfielder could find himself playing more game time in 2015.
He impressed with 20 disposals in his debut in round 23 and was solid performer for Peel Thunder.
Grey has played in the midfielder, defence and forward line.
Lachie Weller
Games: 3
Age: 19
Debut: Round 18, 2015 v GWS
Draft: Pick 13 2014 National Draft
Weller’s three games in 2015 showed exciting promise.
He was a prolific ball-winner for Peel Thunder and his line breaking ability has him held in high regard.
Expect him to continue to build his body during the pre-season and push for a spot in the midfield.
Ed Langdon
Games: 2
Age: 19
Debut: Round 22, 2015 v Melbourne
Draft: Pick 54 2014 National Draft
Langdon has a reputation for running.
Among the fittest young players at the club, he is renowned for his ability to find space.
In his two games in 2015 he had 18 and 14 disposals, showing plenty of potential.
His goal-sense will also be a valuable commodity in 2016.
Michael Apeness
Games: 2
Age: 20
Debut: Round 16, 2014 v Melbourne
Draft: Pick 17 2013 National Draft
The 2015 season had promised so much for the highly regarded young key position player but a serious knee injury ended his season without him playing an AFL game.
The 200cm forward weighs 101kg and is likely to add to that during the pre-season, building a more imposing frame.
Fremantle supporters hope he can play much more game time in 2016 and stand alongside Matthew Pavlich inside 50.
