Fremantle Dockers key position player Matt Taberner has played himself into some good form over the past two weeks, but the young forward said he’s continuing to work to develop his game.
 
Much is made of the diligence in which football teams develop younger players, especially those key position roles, and Taberner said he’s paying close attention to detail on how he can continue to improve.
 
“For me it’s about bringing great effort every week and impacting the games not just through the aerial contests,” Taberner said.
 
“Especially defensively and finding ways to lay more tackles, which is important.”
 
Taberner acquitted himself well against quality opponents in Freo’s past two games, often manning up on highly touted Carlton rookie Jacob Weitering in round five, and locking horns with All Australian defender Daniel Talia against Adelaide.
 
The Freo forward had 18 disposals and a goal against Carlton, and followed up with a season-high 19 touches against the Crows and kicked an impressive set shot goal from the pocket to open the game.
 
Taberner said playing on high quality opponents was beneficial for his development, and looks forward to the challenge posed by the GWS Giants this Saturday.

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“It’s definitely good experience and every game (in the AFL) you come up against quality opposition it’s a good opportunity to build off that,” he said.
 
“GWS had a very good win last week and they have some quality backs so it should be a tough task which I’m looking forward to.”
 
Freo senior coach Ross Lyon said he was pleased with Taberner’s performance against the Crows, and also reiterated the importance of communication when developing younger players.
 
“I was frustrated with some things he did last week but I really liked his game today,” Lyon said.
 
“It shows you’ve got to stick with them.
 
“You get in there, have a one-on-one (discussion), check how they’re going and commit to tidying certain areas up.
 
“I think Matthew Taberner was a good example of that today.”