Since arriving at the Fremantle Dockers, the fast-paced world of the AFL has flown past new recruit Ethan Hughes.
 
The Bunbury-born defender was in mid-air returning to Perth from a Bali holiday before he even knew Freo had recruited him.
 
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Since then, it’s been straight to the club, into pre-season and working on building his frame.
 
“It’s been really good, pre-season has been pretty solid,” Hughes said.
 
“I’m glad that block is over with and we’re into in-season training now.
 
“I’ve felt pretty fit through the pre-season and feel as though I’ve come out pretty well.”
 
Hughes has wasted no time hitting the gym, putting on a few kilos since joining the club.
 
“First the weight was getting on pretty easy being in the gym,” he said.

“I’ve just got to keep building that up into the season.
 
“Being at the club every day has been full on…but I’m starting to come around and cope with it all, so the experience has been really good.”
 
The 20-year-old has also noticed a significant step up in physicality from his time with Swan Districts in the WAFL.
 
Hughes credits the likes of fellow defenders Cam Sutcliffe and Paul Duffield for taking him under their wing in his development.
 
“The fast pace of the game that these guys play in, it goes around pretty quick…that’s something I’ll get used to,” he said.
 
“The experience of the boys being there and pushing you and teaching you along the way, that’s something I’m really enjoying.”