After almost doubling his AFL experience in his sixth year in the AFL system, Will Brodie sees himself as a virtual second year player heading into the 2023 season.
It means the 24-year-old is eyeing significant improvement after a 24-game season where he averaged 26.7 disposals, 5.7 clearances and 5.3 tackles in his first year at Fremantle.
Brodie previously played 25 games for Gold Coast between 2017 and 2021, averaging 17.8 disposals per game in his time with the Suns.
“I feel like I’ve had one full season in the AFL now. I learnt so many things and had so many experiences I can build on for next season,” Brodie said.
“I’m really excited for what can happen this year.
“Over the past 12 months I’ve been able to understand the game plan and understand how my teammates play. I’m ready to put that together, go forward and get better.”
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His 2022 form has continued in the match sims Fremantle played on Monday and Friday, with Brodie a significant accumulator and standout from a midfield group that runs deep.
Brodie aims to ‘take the game on’ more as a part of a midfield that includes MVP Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and new recruit Jaeger O’Meara, with young guns Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson putting on selection pressure.
“I’m working on my intensity and the speed at which I can play the game,” Brodie said.
“I feel I can take the game on a bit more, there’s just so many areas I can improve and chip away at.
“With another pre-season under my belt, that will be really good for my body, and I can build and go to another level.”
Brodie feels he’s benefiting from the guidance of assistant coach Joel Corey, who has stepped up from development coach following the departure of Josh Carr to Port Adelaide.
“I’ve worked pretty closely with Joel ever since I came here,” Brodie said.
“He’s incredible in the way he sees the game and the way he can coach one-on-one, especially.
“I’ve continued that relationship with him (now he’s assistant coach), he has more of a say in how we operate as a midfield unit.”
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