Fremantle’s young interstate players are looking to make the most of a tough situation and stick together in WA instead of heading back to a locked-down Victoria, according to newly crowned NAB AFL Rising Star Caleb Serong.

A number of Freo players, including Serong, are currently completing their third two-week quarantine period for the year and were inclined to stay in WA to avoid another quarantine when they return. 

It means they are likely to spend Christmas together, as well as the summer training as they look to improve as a group.

“I just really want to keep improving. Throughout this off-season, a lot of the boys are staying in Perth and I think we’re really keen to hopefully train together and work really hard,” Serong said. 

“(My goal is) to continue to improve my fitness, hopefully continue to slim down a little bit more and make sure I’m really elite in that area.

“At the moment, I’m going to stick around (in WA). Hopefully, the borders open little bit and I can head back home without quarantine. A few of the boys will stay here (as they’re) in a similar boat.

“If that’s the case, we’ll put our arms around each other and have Christmas in Perth with the boys. Either way, I’m looking forward to the break.”

These summer plans means Freo’s young midfield would be spending even more time together, which includes fellow Victorians Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Sean Darcy. 

“We’re really keen to see each other succeed. Some of the games this year that Andy and Cez (Cerra) played were unbelievable and some of the best footy I’ve seen,” Serong said.

“They’ve both great players, I think Sean Darcy in the ruck is really exciting as well.

“(The midfielders) are all under 21 at the moment and holding our own.

“I think another pre-season under our belts, we’ll work hard together, train together as much as we can and continue to improve.

“It’s really exciting, not only for next year but the future as well.”

A 30-point loss in round 18 to the Western Bulldogs has provided plenty of motivation to get better. 

The Bulldogs will go on to play finals and Serong said Freo need to meet that standard.

“All of us, we spoke a little about our last game and we are just really keen to keep improving over this break,” Serong said.

“We want to take Fremantle back into the finals. We’re really determined to keep getting better as a club and a team.

“We want to compete, we want to be there fighting for the flag and I think everyone is really driven to do that over the break.”

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