Fremantle forward Sam Switkowski believes good squad depth is encouraging fierce competition for spots.

Speaking to the media following Tuesday's main training session, Switkowski said a number of new and old faces in the forward-line mix have been bringing their best footy to the forefront this preseason.

"I feel like every week we're taking a step forward with our game," Switkowski said.

"I feel like our depth has been building over a few years, and we're getting continuity of, you know, guys playing together year on year, but the new guys who are coming in are really challenging everyone as well.

"Our scratch matches have been really competitive because of that depth. Even when we had a bit of an A’s versus B’s look, the B’s really challenged the A’s, which was really pleasing for the health of our list and preparing ourselves for Round 1."

One of those players is Murphy Reid, who Switkowski believes will be a blessing to whichever position he predominantly plays in. He said he’d leave the positional calls for Reid up to the coaches, but that the 19-year-old is a ‘rare talent’.

“I think we're just trying to really upskill him in the midfield,” Switkowski said.

“He obviously spent a lot of time forward last year and showed that he was really capable in that role.

“I dare say he will spend more time in the midfield as his career goes on. He’s so talented, can win the footy and make good decisions.

“Just getting the reps in over preseason is a good thing. How much that looks like in season, I'm not sure yet, but it's definitely an option we can go to.”

Reid became just the fourth Fremantle player to win the Telstra Rising Star Award after his brilliant debut season, joining Paul Hasleby (2000), Rhys Palmer (2008) and Caleb Serong (2020) as winners of the prestigious award.

Playing predominantly as a midfielder in his junior years, he adjusted seamlessly to a half-forward role when drafted by Fremantle with pick No. 17 in the 2024 National Draft.

“To be honest, it still surprises me sometimes when he pulls a kick sideways without looking and things like that,” Switkowski said.

“He's a rare talent, pretty special.

“To be honest, I've been really impressed with just how hard he's worked over the preseason.

“He's built his body coming into his second year. Guys can sometimes sway one way or the other, and some can get complacent if they've had a really good first year, but he's just taking his game to another level with the physical stuff that he's worked on over preseason.”

Following on, Switkowski said the squad was essentially at full health heading into the final few weeks of preparation before the Club’s season opener against Geelong.

“The list is healthy. We're really building on the foundations of our game and also adding a few bits and pieces,” Switkowski said.

“We've got about a three-week build now.

“But it's a really exciting time of year to come up against some proper opposition, instead of crashing into your teammates.”

Fremantle will play West Coast on Saturday 21 February in a closed-to-the-public preseason practice match, with the game to be broadcast live on Kayo Sports.