Caleb Serong was Fremantle’s most prolific midfielder against Richmond on Saturday night despite battling a minor ankle issue during the past three weeks.
 
The 22-year-old had 31 disposals, nine clearances and six tackles – while his 17 contested possessions were the third-highest total in his career.
 
Serong has been on light duties at training following the round 10 win against Geelong but is still managing significant contributions on game day.
 
He said he was going to build his loads at training through the week in preparation for Saturday’s clash with GWS.
 
“It’s just a little ankle that happened in the Geelong game. It was a while ago now,” Serong said.
 
“There’s always something that you’re managing throughout the year, you’re never 100 per cent.
 
“There’s a lot of guys in the Club that are doing the same thing and I’m fine, I’m hopefully training a bit more this week.
 
“I got out on the track a little bit last week, it’s getting better and I’ll be right to go again this week. I pulled up really well, which is great.”

After an impressive 2022 season, Serong has taken his game to another level in 2023, averaging 30 disposals per game to rank sixth in the AFL.
 
He said staying injury free over the summer had been crucial to his performances this season.
 
“I’ve had another year in the system, there’s a lot of learnings,” Serong said.
 
“A lot of hard work over the pre-season with the ability to stay healthy, that was a massive one.
 
“When you bank those sessions in, it’s just amazing what that can do for your confidence and your ability to grow athletically and strength-wise. That was great.”

'Growing' midfield backed to cover another change
Undone in the wet, but future stars stand up
Treacy embraces the 'learning curve'