Fremantle debutant Caleb Serong feels he was able to build into the game against Gold Coast, as the 19-year-old got his first taste at AFL level.

Serong said it was pleasing to make his Fremantle debut after a big build up throughout the week.

“It’s quick, it was good to get the first one under the belt,” Serong said. 

“The build-up to your debut is big, you’re getting a lot of messages (from friends and family). 

“I feel like I built into the game nicely and I was feeling pretty good by the last quarter. 

“I think I will be better for the run, that’s for sure.”

Serong said the three-quarter time message from senior coach Justin Longmuir encouraged his players to be more physically imposing around the contest.

“It was just to keep playing to my strengths, keep being physical.” Serong said. 

“As a midfield group we needed to be a lot more physical and impose ourselves on the game.

“I think we did that a bit more in the last quarter, but again we weren’t able to get over the line, so it was a bit disappointing.” 

Experienced Fremantle midfielder David Mundy pulled his teammates together following the final siren, to address the group after the disappointing loss.

Serong said consistency in the group’s effort was a focus for Mundy.

“He just spoke about the fact that our best is as good as anyone,” Serong said.

“We’re matching it with some really good teams when we are playing our best footy. 

“It’s just consistency. We just need to be better as a four-quarter team and not have little lapses like we did in that second quarter.”

Serong felt that watching his fellow draft class companion Hayden Young get off to a good start in his AFL career, helped boost his own confidence heading into the Suns clash.

The 19-year-old hopes to emulate Young’s form in the weeks to come and build in confidence at the top level.

“He was unbelievable when he was flying for those marks,” Serong said.

“I’ve seen it for the last three years, so it didn’t surprise me at all that he’s doing it now at AFL level. 

“The more he plays, the more confidence he’s going to get…he’s a great player and its really exciting what he’s going to do in the future.

“(He) gives me a lot of confidence going into the next couple of weeks…hopefully, I keep getting picked and can do a similar kind of thing.”