Fremantle’s midfield depth is building, according to Justin Longmuir, with the senior coach praising the progress of young midfielder Luke Valente.

The 20-year-old is ramping up his bid to debut after being selected by Fremantle with pick no.32 in the 2018 NAB AFL National Draft.

Valente showed his ability to play at the top level at training on Wednesday after holding his own when going head-to-head with Nat Fyfe in a midfield drill.

Longmuir praised Valente for using the shutdown period to his advantage and returning in excellent condition, but stopped short on calling for a round two debut against Brisbane.

“I don’t really want to comment on if he’s a chance to play (against Brisbane) or not,” Longmuir said

“But I will say that Luke’s used the eight-week shutdown period to get himself better as a footballer,” Longmuir said.

“He’s come back in unbelievable condition, as with a lot of players, who have used that time to their benefit over the shutdown period.

“He’s clearly increased his fitness base, his resilience and he’s flying at training. We’ve got a lot of competition for midfield spots and roles all over the ground.”

Longmuir was pleased with what he saw from fellow 2018 draftee Sam Sturt at training on Wednesday.

The round one NAB AFL Rising Star nominee has had limited time on the track in the past week due to a minor back injury.

“Sam was able to join in today, he moved really well,” Longmuir said.

“He hasn’t done any contact work yet and he hasn’t been pushed on ground balls and that type of thing with his back injury.

“We hope to get him in there in the early part of Friday’s training session, see how he pulled up over the weekend and ramp things up next week.

“(The injury) is making it more difficult (to select him in round two), I’m not prepared to rule him out by any stretch yet.

“He’s going to have to do everything right to be there.”

Longmuir wouldn’t rule out Jesse Hogan for round two but continued to stress that Fremantle were in no rush to see the talented forward return.
“We have to make sure Jesse can back up sessions and run out a full game,” Longmuir said.

“Every indication is that he’s on the right track both mentally and physically.”

Longmuir added that Hogan was a quick learner and would have no problems adapting to a new game plan.

“I’m really confident in Jesse’s footy IQ, that he’ll be able to pick up our game plan really quickly and adapt to his role,” Longmuir said.

“One thing I’ve been really impressed with Jesse since I’ve come to the club is his ability to understand football.

“There’s no doubt that his footy IQ is up there with the best we’ve got. I’ve got no doubt that Jesse will be able to understand his role.”