The battle between two young players of South Sudanese heritage in Michael Frederick and Changkuoth Jiath was one of the more exciting sub plots of Fremantle’s 15-point win against Hawthorn at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
The 20-year-old Frederick was playing his 13th career game and Jiath (21) his 11th as the pair lined up on each other on Fremantle’s half-forward flank.
A showdown between the two provided the highlight of the game at a crucial moment late in the third term, as Frederick out-sprinted Jiath to get his foot on the ball to soccer it through for a goal.
Speaking on Fremantle’s Final Siren podcast, Frederick said the pair had been jokingly debating who would have the upper hand in the lead up to the game.
“I put the burners on pretty early and just didn’t want to drop the ball or fumble but I did. I just had to make sure I got it through the big sticks,” Frederick told Fremantle’s Final Siren podcast.
“We’re in a group chat with all the South Sudanese AFL players and I was messaging them yesterday.
“The boys were pumping us up, asking who was quicker and all that. I said it was me but he (Jiath) is an endurance beast and I thought ‘I hope I get on the end of one against him.’”
Fremantle have a 2-2 record after Sunday’s win and Frederick said he was excited about the prospect of playing his first game in his home state when Freo travel to take on Adelaide in round five.
He said he already has plans to catch up with his brother, Martin, who is on Port Adelaide’s list.
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“Adelaide are very competitive. They’re off to a flyer this year, especially Tex (Walker). They’ll be a big task for our back six, whoever takes him,” Frederick said.
“I think it’s just another challenge. The Hawks came out firing today and I’m sure Adelaide will too at their home deck. I reckon it will be a good contest.
“I haven’t been home since being back after Christmas last year. It will be first time playing at the Adelaide Oval in the AFL, so that will be interesting.”
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