Up-and-coming midfielder Caleb Serong hopes a full-time focus on footy will fast track his development in his first season at Fremantle.

The no.8 selection in the 2019 NAB AFL National Draft previously juggled cricket and football in his junior years.

This time last year, Serong was playing First XI cricket at Geelong Grammar School, instead of being able to completely focus on a football pre-season.

“Having that extra running under the belt, compared to my previous years, I think that will definitely hold me in good stead,” Serong said.

“I’m really excited about what I can do this year. 

“I’d love to play some Marsh Series but I think it’s up to the coaches in the end. I’m just trying to go out there and train as hard as I can.”

Serong currently has a dual focus at training, juggling midfield and forward roles as he looks to build into a full-time midfielder.

The 19-year-old enjoyed the challenge at Friday’s intraclub hitout, where he had the chance to compete against the best in the game, as well as fellow top-10 pick Hayden Young.

“Through the middle we had all the boys playing in there, Andy Brayshaw, Nat Fyfe…it was really good to test myself against those guys,” Serong said.

“When I went up forward I was playing on ‘Youngy’ and Luke Ryan. It was a really good challenge and I’m really enjoying it.

“(Young’s) elite kick was on show on Friday and I’m sure he’ll keep using that and using that as a weapon.”

Serong said he and Young made the most of a three-week period living with Fyfe when they first moved to Perth.

“Nat kicked us out after Christmas, we were trying to pick his brain too much so he got sick of us I think!” Serong joked. 

“It was really good to pick his brain and see the elite habits that he has and try to take a few of those away with us.

“I’ve just moved in with a couple of boys, Lloyd Meek, Sam Switkowski and Jarvis Pina. I moved in over the weekend so that was pretty good.”