The future is looking bright under Justin Longmuir, and the Fremantle senior coach believes his side’s depth is growing week on week.
Fremantle has seen five debutants so far in 2020 with Sam Sturt, Hayden Young, Caleb Serong, Michael Frederick and Tobe Watson all playing their first games at AFL level.
Longmuir said his pride in his younger players derives from their attitude and hunger to compete.
“It’s going to help us for the long-term - the injuries we have had this year have created a lot of opportunities for our younger players to either take more responsibility or come into the side,” Longmuir said.
“In some of these situations you’ve got to look at it as a positive and I think as a club we have done that.
“We are developing more depth for the future and it’s been a great opportunity for us.
“The great thing about all our young players who have come into the club is that they have got a real hunger and desire to get better.
“They train with real purpose and to improve on everything they are doing, so I expect that attitude to remain.”
Longmuir hinted that Freo could soon see a sixth debutant at senior level in the form of Liam Henry.
Henry has strung a consistent training base together over the past month, and is eyeing off a spot in Freo’s best 22.
“We saw Tobe Watson play his role in the last couple of weeks and Michael Frederick has added some excitement and speed and doesn’t look out of place at AFL level,” Longmuir said.
“We’ve been able to give Andy (Brayshaw) more time in the midfield and also play Caleb Serong in there and give him more minutes and some roles.
“(Henry) is close…we’ve been mindful not to rush him because he’s come off a pretty low base with his injuries that he came to the club with.
“He’s had some real continuity over the last month and he will get his opportunity soon.”
With the development of Freo’s younger ranks, Longmuir has looked to play his captain Nat Fyfe in multiple positions this season.
In 2020, Fyfe is spending 21.4 per cent of his time in the forward 50, which is the highest for any season in his career.
He is also spending 63.5 per cent of time in the midfield, which is the lowest for any season in his career.
Fyfe’s time in defence has also increased to 15.1 per cent, which again is the highest in his career.
Longmuir said Fyfe was eager to develop his forward craft and will look to get the right balance in splitting Fyfe’s time up forward and in the midfield.
“It’s always been the plan to split his time a little bit between the forward line and the midfield,” Longmuir said.
“Early in his career he was a great forward coming through, so we really want to tap into that.
“His ability in the wet to win contests both at ground level and in the air is first class, so having someone like that in your forward line in wet conditions is really important.
“We’ll look to play him forward on Monday night as well.”
