While Reece Conca knows every team has finals aspirations at this time of year, the Fremantle leader can see signs that Freo are ready to make a push to return to September football.
With Fremantle’s young and talented team gaining experience, Conca hopes that the pieces are coming together.
“Expectations are growing with the list that we’ve got,” Conca said.
“We’ve brought in some great coaches and a really strong culture. With that, those expectations are high.
“We’re trying to get some results on the back of that, everyone is trying to play finals and we’re no different.”
One player catching Conca’s eye has been first-year defender Heath Chapman, who is already putting his hand up for selection despite the competition for spots in defence.
“‘Heath’s a quality player. He’s an incredible talent and he’s a really fine young man,” Conca said.
“He’s been training outstandingly, he’s been getting around the guys and building relationships. I think he’s going to be a really quality player for a long time and it’s exciting.”
Conca also hopes that fellow leader Alex Pearce will be in the mix for selection come round one.
“Alex is coming along really strongly. He’s been out of the game for some time so he’s working his way back into it,” Conca said.
“Alex is an incredible and quality player and a great leader, so we want him out on the field.
“I think that’s a real strength for us that we’ve got some depth coming through and we’re all challenging each other and making ourselves better and helping each other get better.”
