Andrew Brayshaw is relishing having increased time in the midfield, and it’s not just because it’s helping him grow his own game.

As more midfield responsibility falls on the 20-year-old, he feels that senior coach Justin Longmuir has more options with Freo’s more experienced players.

With the likes of Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Caleb Serong matching it with the best mids in the game in the engine room, Longmuir has been able to send All Australian duo Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters forward, where they can be just as damaging.

Brayshaw has thrived in this environment, earning 34 coaches votes so far this season to be ranked 13th in the AFL and the highest at Freo.

“It’s something I’ve been building towards I think,” Brayshaw said.

“I’ve definitely played a fair bit more midfield time this year, I’ve been able to give Sonny (Michael Walters) and Nat (Nat Fyfe) a bit more of a chance up forward which has allowed me to play a bit more time inside.

“I definitely feel like I’m playing more time in there, two years in the system as well has given me a bit of confidence that I can go in there and rough it with some of the better players in the league.

“I’m happy with the way I’m playing at the moment, playing my role for the team and allowing some of our superstars to go forward and kick some goals.”

Brayshaw said Freo’s young mids were still leaning on their more experienced teammates, with 35-year-old David Mundy continuing to play at his best in his 17th season of AFL.

“Dave is an amazing player and an amazing character so I’d love to see him hang around for another year, that would be unreal,” Brayshaw said.

“He’s a really great leader and he loves taking the time of day to help us younger players out to work on our craft and teach us little bits and pieces.

“He showed us on the weekend that he’s very capable still so I can’t see why he wouldn’t go again.

“He’s playing really good footy. I’m not the list manager or anything but I’d like to keep him on.

“As long as he wants to keep going, you’ve got to pay him the respect when he’s playing that sort of footy.”