Fremantle defender Karl Worner has spoken about his growth as a player now in his fifth season with the Club. 

Worner, still just 24 years old and 45 games into his AFL career, said finding his feet at AFL level has been a by-product of the team’s success and maturing in his career. 

“I guess it's something that's sort of hard to pinpoint exactly where the growth comes from, but I think it just sort of comes down to a bit of experience and time at the level,” Worner said.

“Obviously I was pretty raw when I first came to the Club, so it just took a bit of time to find my feet, get a bit of confidence in my body, and I think it’s just sort of a by-product of the way the team's going, to be honest. 

“I think we're playing some pretty good footy, and I just love being a part of it, and I love winning.” 

Reaching new heights in 2026 compared to his previous season averages, and combining that with his willingness to do the team thing and his trademark bravery, Worner believes being part of a ‘unique’ backline mix full of leaders has helped him develop. 

“I think it's been a great group to learn from. It's a unique group, as you could probably see from the external side of things, but it's one I really enjoy being a part of,” Worner said. 

“I guess it's led by Moose (Alex Pearce), but I think it's the rest of the backline as well. 

“I think Luke (Ryan), Coxy (Brennan Cox), Clarky (Jordan Clark), in particular Chappy (Heath Chapman), they do a really great job in leading in their own way. 

“They might not necessarily have that title, but I think the way they drive each other, and even Judd (McVee) coming in as well.

“It's just something that we like to pride ourselves on, consistency and trying to be connected as a backline group.” 

Worner and fellow defenders will again be put to the test on Sunday as they face fellow finals hopefuls Gold Coast at Optus Stadium in the Club’s ‘My First Freo Game’. 

With a proud Australian and Swedish heritage, Worner said it was special to share AFL footy with Swedish relatives on his mother, Siv’s side. 

“I'm really proud of my Swedish background, and of me being a dual citizen,” Worner said. 

“It's a very interesting story with my mum, and her journey to Australia.

“She wasn't really born in the capital city in Sweden. She grew up far north. She was born on the Finnish–Swedish border in the Arctic Circle, and she grew up with 24-hour sunlight and 24-hour darkness. 

“So, for her journey to Australia, going through England and not really speaking a word of English and then getting to Australia, she sacrificed a lot for our family. 

“We went there (Sweden) a fair bit when I was younger, lived there a little bit when I was quite young. My sisters went to school there for a fair period of time.” 

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, Worner says although it’s a tough call, he still leans the way of the green and gold Socceroos. 

“I've been watching both games. I'm a little bit torn, I won't lie. I've spent most of my time in Australia, so I might say Australia, but hopefully Sweden can do some things,” Worner said.