While injuries have stalled the start of Tom North’s career at Fremantle, the midfielder is looking forward to making the most of the games to come.

Prior to his arrival at Fremantle, North was known as a ball accumulator at the Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup, with his 2017 season highlighted by a 43-disposal and three-goal game against Bendigo.

A shoulder and ankle injury during the 2018 pre-season meant North had a less than ideal preparation for his first year at Fremantle.

As a result he sat out rounds nine to 12 of the WAFL season to undergo a training block to build up his fitness. 

After returning with promise in round 13 with 24 disposals and nine marks against Swan Districts, North was hit with a minor hamstring injury in round 14.

Fortunately, the 19-year-old spent just one week on the sidelines and returned to help deliver Peel an upset win against South Fremantle last week, picking up 22 touches and five clearances on his return. 

“I feel pretty fresh at the moment,” North said.

“I had a few injuries over the pre-season and missed a few games earlier in the year, just through the shoulder injury and a rolled ankle. 

“The training block was just to get a bit more run in the legs and get me through the season, which has helped a lot.”

Be there to see Freo take on the Hawks! Buy your tickets here

North said he has ‘no problems’ with his hamstring now and is looking forward to making the most of the four remaining games in the WAFL regular season.

There’s also the potential of finals football with Peel in sixth and only percentage out of the top-five – while an AFL call-up isn’t also out of the question.

“I’ll try to get the most out of the next five weeks and see where I can take it and get some good form going,” North said.

“There’s been a few ups and downs with injuries and missing a few games but all in all, I’ve learnt a lot this season and I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give in the next five weeks.”

North is one of a handful of players pushing to become Fremantle’s eighth debutant this season.

Along with second-year player Taylin Duman, six of North’s first-year teammates have made the step up to the AFL at some point this season in Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra, Bailey Banfield, Mitch Crowden, Stefan Giro and Scott Jones.

North said it’s been motivating to see his mates from a close-knit 2017 draft class perform well at the game’s highest level.

“It’s been great to see them do well,” North said.

“We’ve pretty much bonded since day one and it’s great seeing them go out there and play on the big stage and play well.

“It’s great seeing them do well and I look forward to, hopefully, getting out there with them soon.”