Emerging young backman Heath Chapman could eventually develop into a classy midfielder, according to The West Australian’s senior football writer Mark Duffield.

In Thursday’s episode of the ‘Duff and Quarters’ podcast, Duffield and co-host Glen Quartermain discussed the depth of Fremantle’s midfield.

Despite impressing this pre-season, Chapman is expected to have a tough time breaking into Fremantle’s 22 early in the season with the backline running deep.

Similar to the career of Freo veteran David Mundy, Duffield expects Chapman to start in the backline and switch to a midfield role down the track.

“I believe that Heath Chapman will find his way into the midfield eventually at Fremantle,” Duffield said.

“What we saw of Heath Chapman at Mineral Resources Park last Saturday (in a scratch match against West Coast) was a very accomplished, very clean, very astute young player."

Quartermain added that Champan could be a great replacement for the 35-year-old Mundy when he retires.

“There’s a spot for (Chapman) when David Mundy retires…that’s a big void to fill. Heath Chapman can slot into that role,” Quartermain said.

Chapman played limited minutes for Fremantle in Sunday's AAMI Community Series game against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday, but fellow defender Alex Pearce was still excited with what he saw after the 19-year-old came on in the second half.

"He came on and did a good spoil and made a good save," Pearce said.

"We love what we see from Chappy and it was good to see him get into the game.

"I’m sure he’ll love that experience out there with a bit of the crowd. There’s some exciting things to come from Chappy."