Veteran Michael Johnson says young defender Alex Pearce has been fantastic in his first two AFL games.
 
Pearce impressed in his debut last week against Essendon and was again solid in Freo’s 13-point win over the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Match report: Freo holds off brave Bulldogs
 
All Australian defender Johnson applauded Pearce’s effort.
 
“Alex Pearce has been fantastic, the last couple of weeks,” Johnson told Fox Footy.
 
“For him to come into the side, (over) the last two weeks, has been phenomenal.”

An unforgettable experience for Pearce

Pearce took four marks against the Bulldogs and played a key role in the absence of experienced defender Luke McPharlin.
 
Johnson said Pearce had slotted straight into playing AFL footy, which was testament to the club’s succesful development program.
 
“The development program at the club is very strong,” he said.