Defenders Hayden Young and Ethan Hughes showed they are nearing an AFL return after good showings in a scrimmage between Fremantle and West Coast at Caulfield Grammar in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.
The 12-on-12 scratch match was for non-AFL selected players to ensure they keep up their match fitness while interstate.
The shortened game was played with four quarters ranging from 10 to 12 minutes.
GALLERY: See all the photos here
Young said the game felt similar to AFLX footy, with the ball flowing freely from end to end.
“The last week has been pretty interesting. I thought I’d be playing at Peel this weekend in the WAFL but it was great to come down here with the West Coast boys,” Young said.
“We had shortened boundaries and it was pretty tough, you had to work hard as it was very one-on-one.
“You couldn’t have much team defence. There was a lot of running, everyone got a share of the ball and it was a good hitout.”
Young credited ruckman Lloyd Meek for giving Freo an upper hand in the midfield. On two occasions the 23-year-old connected with Luke Valente to create a goal out of the stoppage.
“Lloyd had a good day and gave our mids first use. Reece Conca had a nice goal out of the midfield as Meeky tapped it to (Valente) and (Conca) ran it out of the middle and kicked a goal.
“Meeky had a great day and the mids worked really well together, holding good shape. We did have limited numbers and no wingers but the boys did really well to work it out through there and get it from inside to out.”
Young said the biggest positive was to get through the game unscathed alongside Hughes.
“My body felt really good. I had a few cobwebs here and there but all in all, I was happy with how I played. It was good to just get out there and have some fun with the boys,” Young said.
“(Hughes) was really good. His shoulder looked really strong. He took some heavy hits and got up, which was good to see. Hopefully. he is back soon.”
Freo kicked eight goals in total via Stefan Giro (3), Reece Conca (2) and singles to Meek, Valente and Nathan O’Driscoll.
Gallery: Scrimmage v WCE
'This ball is mine': How Lobb knows he's back to his best
Gallery: MCG!
Broth and horcruxes: Pearce's remedies
