Caleb Serong has become the second Fremantle player to earn a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in 2020 after his efforts against Geelong on Monday night at Optus Stadium.
The no.8 draft pick’s nomination comes after Sam Sturt was nominated following his three-goal debut against Essendon.
The midfielder was given the tough task of limiting Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield by Justin Longmuir.
Not only did Serong deliver for his senior coach, he managed to get one up on the seven-time All Australian on the stats sheet, limiting Dangerfield to 18 touches while collecting 22 disposals and seven tackles.
The 19-year-old put the icing on the cake with an impressive goal on his non-preferred left foot from a tight angle late in the final term.
Serong wastold the news on Monday with a phone call from Longmuir.
“JL gave me a call this morning. It was nice to hear it from him, especially with the faith he’s showed in me to give me the role that I had yesterday,” Serong said.
“Obviously it was quite disappointing to not get the win but to get that recognition was really good.
“I personally thought it was my best game that I’ve played at AFL level and I feel like I’m starting to improve each week and I’m learning a lot. It was nice to get that recognition.”
While Serong can officially call himself a ‘rising star’ he feels he’s just one small part of an exciting up and coming group at Fremantle.
“Obviously Sturty’s got the round one nomination and played some really good footy at AFL level,” Serong said.
“I feel there’s a lot of young guys coming through that are a chance for more nominations. ‘Youngy’ (Hayden Young) was really close and there’s other boys coming through.
“Tobe Watson debuted yesterday, there’s Michael Frederick and we have boys coming through like Luke Valente who are really exciting.
“At the moment, with our young core, it’s really exciting and I think all the boys are really keen to see where we can take it.”
Serong said he was learning a lot from third-year players Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra, who are both just a year older than their younger counterpart.
The pair were among Freo’s best against Geelong with Brayshaw leading Fremantle with 28 disposals and Cerra laying nine tackles with his 17 disposals
“The thing that I knew coming into the club was that it was quite a young list,” Serong said.
“What’s really impressed me is how good leaders the young guys are, especially guys like Andy and Cez.
“I’ve already learnt a lot from them and they’re only third year players. Coming in it feels like they’ve been around for five or six years at least in the system.
“They’re really professional with the way they go about it. I’ve tried to stick with those guys and learn as much midfield craft and professionalism and preparation as I can.
“They’re starting to play some really good footy on a consistent basis but it’s their off field work and how professional they are that’s impressing me the most.”
