Fremantle's Irish recruit Sean Hurley admits he's still coming to grips with Aussie Rules football, but his bravery is already paying some dividends.

Hurley joined several of his teammates at the club's annual AJ Diamond Club Bravery Awards ceremony, where they acknowledged six young West Australian patients who had shown courage through adversity.

Brave children honoured

Hurley joined the Freo Dockers as a Category-B rookie last year to try to carve out an AFL career.

A senior call-up still appears some time away for the former Gaelic star, but Hurley is determined to turn his dream into a reality.

Adapting to game-plans and field positions is still proving a tad tricky for Hurley.

But he has learnt the golden rule of Aussie Rules footy - put your body on the line.

"I copped a bad one on the nose. I came back with the flight and I got the whack," Hurley said.

"The resilience these children have shown is unbelievable and is an inspiration for all us guys."

Hurley has played eight league games and five reserve matches this season for Fremantle's WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder.

The 23-year-old, starting the season in defence, has since been moved to attack as the Freo Dockers experiment with where he's best suited.

The 193cm key position prospect is slowly finding his feet, but he knows he has plenty more work to do before he can be considered for a Freo call-up.

"I reckon I have the strength, but it's more so in a contest (I'm still adapting)," Hurley said.

"That's one thing I'm trying to work on, just pushing off guys.

"It doesn't come natural, because that's a free in the game I used to play if you push off and take the mark.

"I need to be more aggressive and get that push-off and use the strength I do have."