Fremantle’s playing list took part in an 18 v 18 match simulation on Monday, as the 2023 pre-season continues to ramp up.

The simulation was split into three periods, with a focus on ball movement out of the centre as Senior Coach Justin Longmuir regularly called the ball back to the middle to re-establish the starting setup.

Luke Jackson led Team Black in the ruck with Andy Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Matthew Johnson the regulars at his feet.

Sean Darcy was in the ruck for Team Yellow, alongside Neil Erasmus, Will Brodie and Jaegar O’Meara/Nathan O’Driscoll.

The Darcy v Jackson ruck battle was one to watch, the pair equally impressing over the course of the day.

Bursting clearances from Darcy out of the middle led to goals from both Neil Erasmus and Sam Switkowski for Team Yellow, while the ruck was the beneficiary of a 50-metre penalty for a goal himself. 

Jackson seemed everywhere early, with his presence felt through the middle courtesy of strong follow up work to the ruck contest and his ability to earn clearance.

He also got Team Black off to a flyer with a strong mark inside 50 to convert a set shot for the first goal of the day.

Lachie Schultz followed suit, with his trademark forward pressure leading to the second major for Team Yellow.

Johnson seemed to be enjoying the regular minutes at the centre stoppage and linked up well with Brayshaw and Serong across the ground.

The 19-year-old impressed as he won his own ball and became heavily involved in driving Team Black forward. 

O’Driscoll replaced O’Meara in the middle for Team Yellow for the final ten minutes to provide further run, while we got a look at Eric Benning v Max Knobel in the ruck late.

Corey Wagner was busy across half back with clean rebounds and possessions, while his evasiveness and quick thinking were at the fore.

A late goal to Sebit Kuek helped seal the victory for Team Yellow, with his aerial ability on display as he plucked the ball cleanly out of the air.

Liam Henry started consistently on the wing, and shifted back into defence often to assist.

Hayden Young controlled the kick-ins for Team Black, and provided some bursting run up the corridor to help drive his side into attack.