Second-year midfielder Caleb Serong is enjoying ‘finding the balance’ as he continues to learn off some of the competition’s best players.

Over recent weeks, Serong has at times played run-with roles on players including Zach Merrett (Essendon), Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs) and Gold Coast pair Matt Rowell and Touk Miller.

The 20-year-old said the task has helped him develop both the offensive and defensive side of his game.

“At the moment my role is a bit more of a defensive mid and I’m more than happy to do that,” Serong told AFL Nation.

“I think it’s just helping with my balance around the stoppage and my game in general with that balance between defence and offence.

“I feel like I’ve always had that defensive instinct to defend first and work off my opponent.

“It’s been really good for my development and to learn off guys like Zach Merrett and…see what some of the best players in the game do is valuable.

“I think I’m getting a lot out of it at the moment.”

Serong said he has a natural tendency to play with a bit of aggression, something that assistant coach Josh Carr has encouraged in the young midfielder.

“I think naturally I’ve had to curtail it a little bit and calm it down sometimes!” Serong said.

“I think I’m starting to back myself a bit more in terms of being out there and standing up for the boys.

“'Carry’ is trying to get that out of me and bring some energy out there, he loves it.

“I’m getting backed in by guys like him and ‘JL’ (Justin Longmuir) to bring a bit more energy and physicality around the contest.”

Alongside Carr, Serong has welcomed the addition of assistant coach Joel Corey this season as he looks to further develop his midfield craft.

“(Josh Carr) has been great, he’s helped me a lot with the defensive side of the game,” Serong said.

“Working with him and Joel Corey, he’s been fantastic too with the technical side of the game with my body work.

“I’m really enjoying working with them.”

Serong said Fremantle’s bye has come at a good time following Saturday’s win over Gold Coast at Optus Stadium.

“Internally we had a lot of confidence…(it was great to see) the way the boys stepped up and everyone played their role and were tough at the contest,” Serong said.

“It’s always nice going into the bye with a win under our belt.

“It gives us even more motivation heading into the back half of the year.”