Ruckman Lloyd Meek is focusing on what he can control as he continues to prepare for a potential AFL debut in 2020.

Meek’s dedication to get the most out of the AFL’s mandatory shutdown period was on show when a month ago he tracked down as much equipment as he could to set up a home gym at the family farm in Mininera in country Victoria.

“All gym gear, all over Australia is pretty hard to get,” Meek told Seven News.

“I did one car trip just to get one barbell.

“We’re still hoping to play games this year, and if we get to play games, you want to be ready to go.”

The 21-year-old is in his third year at Fremantle and has showed plenty of promise, both for Peel and on the training track, but was held back in 2019 with a foot injury halfway through the season.

Sean Darcy currently holds Fremantle’s no.1 ruck role and Meek said he’s enjoying the battle for a spot with his former Vic Country teammate.

“In a footy club environment, you’ve got to have blokes competing for the same position and that brings the whole team up,” Meek said.

“I’m really good mates with Sean and we get along well. I haven’t spoken to him for a little bit but I’ll check in with him and see how he’s going.”

A number of plans have been put forward to help the AFL reduce football department spending, including cutting list sizes.

Meek admitted that is was a daunting time for players but said it only added to his motivation to work on his game.

“That’s out of my control (list size changes), what is in my control trying to ensure that if we did reduce the list, that I’m in that top (group of players),” Meek said.

Meek has been helping out on the farm when he can and is enjoying being back home with family.

“Normally when I come home its summertime and harvest, where its very dusty and hot weather,” Meek said.

“It’s a bit cooler here at the moment and Dad’s sowing the crop in. I’ve actually really enjoyed being at home for a bit and seeing my family.”