Fremantle senior coach Justin Longmuir has given insight into why key forward Josh Treacy’s journey is only just beginning, ahead of the 23-year-old’s 100-game milestone against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.
Speaking at his Wednesday morning media conference, Longmuir said Treacy has undergone a remarkable transformation since arriving at Fremantle.
"Like most people, when you come in, you don't know what you don't know in terms of what it takes to be a professional athlete,” Longmuir said.
“Not that he was hard work at the start, he was just this country boy coming in off COVID.
“He probably wasn't in all the squads that some of the other guys were in, so he had a little bit more to learn.
“It's been a remarkable transformation into one of our most professional, hardworking players, and he sets a great example for those around him.”
Growing up in a small country town called Cohuna in regional Victoria, Treacy developed his physicality from a young age by playing against men as a 15-year-old.
The 2020 draft - known in some parts of the football world as the COVID draft - has gone down in infamy for the struggles of AFL hopefuls and Club recruiters looking to select the next stars of the game.
Victorian kids in particular were subject to Government lockdown policies, a handful of trial games and home visits turned into zoom calls.
“He's just become such a contributor, such a consistent preparer, which has allowed him to become such a consistent player,” Longmuir said ahead of Treacy’s milestone match on Friday night.
“He’s one of the more physical players in the comp, but he has a lot of class to go with it as well.
“I love the way he values all phases of the game. He’s amazing in the contest, but he chases and harasses the opposition as well as anyone in our forward line.”
Still just 23-years of age and in his seventh AFL season, Longmuir knows Treacy’s best is still to come.
“He's built an amazing career so far, and I'm excited about what's ahead of him because he's only 23,” Longmuir said.
Longmuir also confirmed some team selection news two days out from the clash.
“Coxy (Mason) will hold his spot,” Longmuir said.
“We've been happy with the way he’s been able to go forward and give us an aerial contest.
“He's holding up his end of the bargain and Sean's (Darcy) just got to be ready when his opportunity comes.”
Longmuir also confirmed key defender Brennan Cox would miss another match being managed after nursing a knee niggle.
“Like I've been saying, if it was a final and we needed him, he could play this week. But it's just a good opportunity to see if we can get his body a little bit better,” Longmuir said.
