Pick no.14 - Heath Chapman
Pick no.27 - Nathan O'Driscoll
Pick no.50 - Brandon Walker
Pick no.54 - Joel Western
First round draftee Heath Chapman couldn’t be happier to pull on the Fremantle jumper after the club snatched the speedy defender up at no.14 in the 2020 NAB AFL National Draft.
A West Perth product, Chapman was thrilled to be selected by Fremantle and remain in WA.
“Words can’t describe this. It’s a dream come true and to be able to stay home and in WA and spend more time with family is awesome and come to a club like Freo! I can’t wait to get stuck into it,” Chapman said.
“The prospect of moving over east didn’t really faze me but it’s an added bonus that I get to live out my dream where I grew up and where my family is.”
Chapman brings an ability to play as a key and intercepting defender while his elite pace has him marked as a potential wing or midfielder in the future.
He ran a 6:20 2km time trial at the WA combine in October which highlighted his athleticism.
Chapman said he hopes his versatility can be an asset throughout his AFL career.
“I’d describe myself as a pretty versatile player. I’m happy if it’s needed to play in the midfield or stay down back,” Chapman said.
“This year, I tried to get the balance between locking down on my direct opponent or being bale to intercept mark and run and create of the half back line and set the team up.”
Chapman has already had the chance to meet Justin Longmuir and the 18-year-old was thrilled to have the chance to work under his new senior coach.
“He said he was stoked to have me and he’s a West Perth boy, so that’s awesome,” Chapman said.
“I’m just keen to work under him. He’s obviously a great coach and he really kick started the culture at Fremantle and I can’t wait to learn off him and be a part of that.”
While captain Nat Fyfe was a clear choice as a player he looks up to at Fremantle, Chapman hopes he can learn of some of Freo’s exciting young defenders.
“Obviously there’s Nat Fyfe but I think the way Hayden Young goes about it and the way he went through his first season, I really looked up to that. I watched him really closely throughout the year. Also Griffin Logue, who’s been playing well down back for Fremantle as well,” Chapman said.
