Emerging defender Griffin Logue showed his potential to be a potent key back after starring in Fremantle’s thrilling Marsh Community Series win against West Coast on Saturday.
The no.8 pick in the 2016 NAB AFL National Draft was instrumental throughout the one-point win, according to Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe.
After West Coast’s Josh Kennedy kicked six goals a week prior against Essendon, Logue kept the star forward to zero disposals by half time and one goal and four touches for the clash.
Logue himself had 12 disposals, six marks and led Freo with five rebound 50s. His two contested marks were highlighted by a game-saving grab in the final minute to keep the Eagles at bay.
While Fyfe was ribbing Logue for performing his media duties shirtless post-game, he was quick to praise the young defender.
“He’s a big man, he wanted to play like a big man and he’s starting to utilise his God-given talent,” Fyfe said.
“I didn’t think he’ll take any prisoners (with the game-saving mark), he went back with the flight.
“I don’t think he was beaten one-on-one against Kennedy, who’s a pretty big name forward.
“We should have confidence going into round one that he’ll get the job done in the absence of (injured key defenders) Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling.”
With Freo missing arguably their best defenders in Pearce, Hamling, Luke Ryan and Nathan Wilson, Fyfe said Freo’s entire backline deserved praise for their efforts.
“I think (the backline) will be the story come Monday in the papers,” Fyfe said.
“Ethan Hughes, Taylin Duman, Griffin Logue, Tobe Watson, Brennan Cox, Reece Conca and Adam Cerra also went back there at the end.
“I think their connection and working together as a system was really good.”