We’re just past the half-way point of the season but Mitch Crowden believes a pair of Freo players are in line for some recognition at the end of the year.
Crowden had particular praise for defender Luke Ryan after Freo’s 12-point win against Collingwood at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Ryan’s 25 disposals, seven marks, 11 rebound 50s, 525 metres gained and nine intercepts were all the most for Freo on the day.
“I dunno, he (Ryan) might be an All Australian half back? He’s gone really well. His effort every game, he always plays outsized,” Crowden said.
“He had Coxy (Brennan Cox) back there, which he would have appreciated tonight. He’s absolutely unreal. He backs it up every week and it was great to have him in our team.”
Crowden added that Caleb Serong might also be in the mix for some recognition at the end of the season.
In just his sixth AFL game, the 19-year-old racked up 24 disposals, six tackles and nine clearances as he shone in the midfield.
Serong was nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star in round eight against Geelong but was arguably even better against Collingwood.
“Can you get rising star two weeks in a row? He was absolutely unreal,” Crowden said.
“He doesn’t even look like a first year player. He looks like a seasoned veteran out there, composed, especially early on in that game and I think he was terrific. He’ll be great for us going forward.”
