Top-10 pick Caleb Serong is yet to play a game at AFL level, but the praise for the young midfielder keeps rolling in as he pushes for a debut.
Defender Luke Ryan was the latest to say that Serong was ready to make the step up, saying the 19-year-old reminded him of a former Freo teammate.
“He’s done really well since he first got in,” Ryan said.
“He’s been outstanding and during our match sim, he’s reminded me of Lachie Neale.
“He’s so clean, strong and always wants to learn.”
A debut may come as early as this Saturday when Fremantle take on Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
Senior coach Justin Longmuir said on Seven News on Tuesday night that he was happy with Fremantle’s midfield mix, but added Serong was still a chance to break into the team.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he debuts this week and he’s doing everything he can to put that foot forward,” Ryan said.
“He looks like he’s played 100 games already.
“He’s just so smart and clean and as I said, he just reminds me of Lachie Neale so much.
“Hopefully, he gets his chance soon and I look forward to seeing him play.”
Ryan also hopes to see Sean Darcy in the team, with the ruckman crucial to Fremantle’s overall structure.
Darcy missed round three due to a minor knee injury, seeing forward Rory Lobb come into the ruck.
Darcy is listed as a test and will need to get through Thursday night’s training session to earn selection.
“(Darcy playing) is a massive deal,” Ryan said.
“He’s our number one ruckman and if we get him back playing ruck, we can have ‘Lobby’ forward.
“That’s our structure and it’s a massive bonus if we get him back this week.”
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