A 12-point loss to GWS on Saturday put an end to Freo’s slim finals chances but there remains plenty of upside for the future, according to young utility Darcy Tucker.
Tucker paid tribute to a number of Freo’s next-generation, including defender Luke Ryan who shone in his sixth AFL game.
Ryan, who turned 21 in February, remains eligible for a rising star nomination, and is likely be in the conversation for round 19 after collecting 25 disposals to go with his game high 14 marks and eight rebound 50s.
“I thought ‘Lukey’ was great today,” Tucker said.
“His intercept marking was really good and he got a lot of the footy and used it well.
“It’s good for him to show that effort, he’s growing every single week.
“It was really pleasing to see and I thought he was outstanding.”
Tucker himself had a day to remember, picking up a career-high 23 disposals and 582.2 metres gained.
The 20-year-old is the fifth-youngest player on Fremantle’s list and made the most of the opportunity to play an outside midfielder, with 16 kicks from his 23 disposals.
“As a winger, it’s good to get on the outside and that’s one of my focuses, to get my hands on the ball and use my kicking,” Tucker said.
“It’s pleasing having a career high … I knew going in GWS have strong wingers, and they run a lot, so I just tried to stop that and provide my best on the outside.
“I’m still focusing on improving every week and still have a way to go.
“That’s my focus, to improve and play my role for the team each week.”
Tucker said Freo’s engine-room was key to having a chance against a talented Giants side, and credited captain Nat Fyfe and fellow leader Lachie Neale for the efforts.
At 25 and 24-years-old respectively, Fyfe and Neale are considered senior players in a youthful Freo side, combining for 35 contested possessions and 13 clearances.
“They were great, and they delivered on one of our focuses going in,” Tucker said.
“GWS are strong outside team, so we wanted to really hit them on the inside and be hard at it the ball, and I think our leaders stood up in that area.
“Fyfe and Neale were terrific by getting us first use of the footy, which put us in good stead.”
