Small forward Michael Walters says he’s looking forward to seeing how some new faces can revamp Freo’s forward line in 2017.
A determined Walters has made a strong showing on the training track so far this pre-season, and the 25 year-old spoke of his vision for how the club will fare up-front.
“It’s pretty exciting. It’s been good to see the spectators come out and watch the new faces train,” Walters said.
“(Shane) Kersten hasn’t really been in the main squad as he’s been in rehab, but he works pretty hard and likewise for Cam (McCarthy).
“He’s a big strong forward and he’ll be good to help out Taberner as well, he’s played a few games and he’s kicked a few goals, and he’s that bigger, stronger body for Ballas and me to crumb off.”
Walters led Fremantle’s goal-kicking in 2013, 2015 and 2016, but can expect some stiff competition with the arrival of McCarthy.
As a 19-year-old, McCarthy kicked 35 goals in 2015 for the GWS Giants, and the 192cm has been looking the goods on the training track for Fremantle after a year out of the game.
And Walters made it clear he didn’t mind who was leading the way up front, as long as the team benefits.
“I’m not looking to make any competition out of the goal-kicking,” Walters said.
“I just want to get this team back to where we were around 2013. As long as we stick to the basics and work for each other, win some games early on in the season, the goals will come.”
At training, Walters has shown he is fully committed to being at his best in 2017, appearing fit, kicking with accuracy in front of goal, while remaining his usual vocal self.
“Yeah I’m trying my best,” said Walters of his encouraging nature at training.
“It’s a pretty young group now, we’ve got a lot of young boys coming through, we’ve just recruited some more younger boys as well.
“For me, who’s been here for nine years, I want to continue on in a different sort of role, hopefully show a little bit of leadership too.
The pre-season’s been pretty good. They boys came back in pretty good shape and the fitness level has continued on.”
