Fremantle debutant Michael Frederick was a shining light on a frustrating night, as Freo went down to West Coast by 30 points in Sunday night’s RAC Derby. 

Splitting his time between the wing and half-forward, Frederick finished with 10 disposals, three marks, four inside 50s and a goal on debut.

After taking two strong marks early, Frederick felt he quickly found his feet at AFL level. 

“It was obviously a lot faster than I’m normally used to,” Frederick said.

“I got my first touch pretty early…as the game went on, I thought I adapted well.”

02:45

'I'm just embracing it' | Michael Frederick

Michael Frederick spoke to DTV after playing West Coast Eagles in round seven.

The 20-year-old was met with raucous applause from the Fremantle faithful throughout the game, in particular, as he ran onto the ground for the first time after starting the match on the bench.

“It was pretty cool, I’ve never run out in front of much of a crowd (before),” Frederick said. 

“(I was) just embracing it really and soaking it all in. 

“As I came on the first time, they were going nuts so that was pretty cool, and a few times when I ran off as well…that was pretty overwhelming.” 

Frederick’s first AFL goal provided arguably Freo’s best moment of the night as every teammate ran into the forward line to celebrate with him.

“I just didn’t want to fumble it and it went through,” Frederick said.

“Kicking your first AFL goal, I’ll remember that for the rest of my life, so I’m pretty happy.” 

GAME DAY VIDEO

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    Post Match | Justin Longmuir v West Coast Eagles

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  • 05:16

    Match Highlights | RAC Derby: Freo v West Coast

    Catch up on all the highlights from the RAC Derby.

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  • 00:29

    Taberner finishes off some Sonny magic

    Michael Walters and Matt Taberner combine in the first term for six points!

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  • 03:29

    Hit 92.9 Live and Local | RAC Derby

    Persia Najafzadeh gave Optus Stadium a stunning performance at quarter time of Sunday night's RAC Derby

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  • 00:33

    Frederick's big moment on debut!

    Michael Frederick joined the AFL goal-kicking list with this stunner on debut.

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Frederick said the support from his friends and family in the lead-up to his debut was overwhelming, but said he was ‘disappointed’ that his mum (who lives in South Australia) wasn’t able to be there to share in the special night.

“Last Friday I don’t reckon I slept that much, but I got a lot of messages from friends and school mates wishing me luck and telling me to play well,” Frederick said. 

“I’m really close with mum, so it was a bit disappointing not having her here.

“I know she was watching from home, so I’m sure she is pretty happy with me.” 

Frederick said senior coach Justin Longmuir highlighted key learnings to his players following the match, as Freo look ahead to a round eight clash with Geelong next Monday night.

“There’s a lot of learnings from that game…I’m sure we’ll keep our heads held high and come out next week for Geelong,” Frederick said.

“We’ll learn from our mistakes tonight…when we were good, we were outstanding so it’d about making sure that we bring that to every contest.”