General manager of football Peter Bell said he was thrilled to see Fremantle secure three top 10 selections in the 2019 NAB AFL National Draft, at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday.
Fremantle drafted Hayden Young at pick no.7 from the Dandenong Stingrays, Caleb Serong at no.8 from the Gippsland Power and matched Carlton’s bid for Freo's Next Generation Academy player Liam Henry from Claremont at no.9.
It is only the second time in Fremantle's history that the club has selected three players in the top 10, after drafting Paul Hasleby, Matthew Pavlich and Leigh Brown with picks, two, four and five in the 1999 national draft.
Bell was especially pleased that Fremantle were able to draft good mates and Vic Country teammates Young and Serong.
“It’s a terrific result,” Bell said.
“We’re thrilled to pick up Hayden Young, who most regard as the best kick in the draft. He’s 188cm and a real natural half back flanker who can intercept mark.
“Caleb Serong is an insider midfielder and he’s very good friends with Hayden, which will help with the transition over to Western Australia.
“He can play as a small forward as well but ultimately, we see him as an inside midfielder.”
When the bid came in for Henry, Fremantle underwent a pick swap with Port Adelaide to help match the bid.
Port Adelaide received pick No.66 and Fremantle's future second-round selection for picks no.52 and 55.
Bell said the trade was done to protect Fremantle’s 2020 first round pick.
“There was some tense moments when the bid came for Liam Henry,” Bell said.
“We quickly manufactured a trade with Port Adelaide who helped with the points situation.
“We’re thrilled to bring in what, ultimately, has been three top 10 picks.
“It’s great to see players who realise their dreams and then of course the hard work starts.
“They’ll never forget this moment, Hayden, Caleb and Liam, and it’s nice that they were picked in succession. It’s a nice part of it and they’ll remember this night forever.”
Bell said Fremantle have boosted their coverage across the ground with their three selections.
“I think there’s some real variety there,” Bell said.
“Half back is an area that we’ve been looking to reinforce so we’re absolutely thrilled to bring in Hayden in that regard.
“We have some depth inside mid with Caleb and Liam is a small forward and ultimately, he’ll be a really good wing and high half forward as well. We’re just thrilled.”
