There was plenty of praise for emerging small forward Lachie Schultz after he booted four goals in Fremantle’s Marsh Community Series victory against Carlton on Saturday at David Grays Arena.

The 22-year-old took eight marks to go with his haul, but it was his forward pressure that also stood out, laying six tackles in Freo’s 47-point win.

Teammate Blake Acres said Schultz had been a standout all pre-season and was excited about what the second-year player could achieve in 2020.

“Shooter was outstanding. He was a little nugget running around the forward line,” Acres said.

“He’s had a really good pre-season as well. He probably was a standout in our two intraclub matches and it was good to see him get it done out in a pre-season game.

“Hopefully, he can keep building from that and have a good rest of the season.”

Schultz wasn’t the only player to star up front, according to Acres, with Rory Lobb giving Freo fans plenty to be excited about.

With Sean Darcy on limited minutes, Lobb played the first half up forward and switched to the ruck in the second half.

Lobb led Freo in a number of statistical categories, including marks (13), contested marks (five), hitouts (18), inside 50s (six) and was behind only James Aish with 11 contested possessions.

Darcy is expected to play a full game in Freo’s second Marsh series clash against West Coast next Saturday at HBF Arena, which Acres believes will give Freo a better structure up front.

“I thought Rory was really good for us up forward,” Acres said.

“We probably lost a little bit when he went into the ruck in the second half as we lost a little bit of our forward line.

“But the stuff he was able to do around the ground, especially when he got back, I think he spoiled two or three boys in a row.

“He’s a very versatile player and he’ll be a good asset to have.”

Acres said Fremantle wouldn’t read too much into Saturday’s result, but said it did give the team confidence as they wrap up their pre-season.

“It’s only pre-season, but to get a result. It was great for the team,” Acres said.

“You don’t really want to come out and lose a Marsh series game after you train so hard in the pre-season. 

“The boys all played really disciplined and played their roles. It was a good consistent four-quarter effort.

“The boys were able to find the footy through that and everyone just stuck to their role and did their part.”