Space is something that Stephen Hill hasn’t exactly been afforded much of in his three AFL seasons to date.

The exciting Freo midfielder is often the subject of a hard tag from opposition stoppers.

But on Saturday night, the Eagles elected to tag emerging superstar Nat Fyfe with their best minder, Scott Selwood.

Co-Glendinning Medallists David Mundy and Michael Barlow were winning the ball from the packs, and on the end of their stoppage success was not one damaging lefty with exquisite foot-skills, but two.

It had been talked about since Danyle Pearce arrived at Freo last year, but on Saturday, proof that the former Port Adelaide star would help free up Hill was there for all to see, including the Eagles’ midfield, although most of what they saw was the number 32 getting smaller and smaller.

Hill, who had 13 handball receives on Saturday, admitted Pearce’s presence had a notable effect on his own game.

“It was great to have Danyle out there because if they’re going to go with one of us, then the other one will be free,” he said.

“Either way, we are going to have a bit of run and carry on the outside.

“Playing with Danyle is good. He’s got a lot of experience, so he’s helped me out a lot, too.”

The 21-year-old from Clarkson said, that when given space to operate, his confidence levels grew.

“It’s a bit different not getting followed,” he said.

“It’s good to have a bit of space, and on Saturday I got a bit of space, so I made the most of it and used my run and carry. That gave me a bit of confidence.

“I like to play my role for the team first, but when I get my opportunity, I like to use my speed and try and break the lines.”

But Hill was fully aware that on any given day, opposition teams might target him for the hard tag.

That doesn’t bother him, however.

“Each week, if the tag does come to me, I’m prepared for it and I know I’m going to get a lot of help from my teammates.”

2013 STARLIGHT PURPLE HAZE GAME: Friday 12 April v Essendon at Patersons Stadium, 6.40pm bounce down. Dress in purple to WIN!