Fremantle fans can look forward to potentially seeing rookie forward Josh Treacy in action in 2021, according to teammate Matt Taberner.
Taberner, who like Treacy arrived at Fremantle as a rookie key forward, told The West Australian he believes the 18-year-old already has the attributes to compete at AFL level.
“I think he’s a lot bigger than (I was) when I came into the system. He’s strong and he’s got a body ready for AFL,” Taberner told The West Australian.
“I think he’s got what it takes to really contribute this year. In the two weeks that I’ve been working with him, he’s got a real eagerness to get better and improve and he works extremely hard. So he’ll come along really nicely I think.”
Coming off a career-best year in 2020, where he kicked 29 goals in 16 games, Taberner said it can take time for key forwards to reach their full potential.
Taberner himself played four games in his debut season in 2013, kicking two goals in four games.
“It’s a really tough position coming in as a young kid,” Taberner said.
“You’re playing on a guy who’s really strong and physical and it takes a while to develop those leading patterns and that sort of nous. And building your body to a point where you’re strong enough to win one-on-one contests.
“So it does take time and it differs from player to player. But there’s nothing wrong with that pressure. That drives you a little bit and that’s sort of how the growth happens.”
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