Fremantle continued a gruelling pre-season on Tuesday with a match simulation that was just under the length of a full AFL game.
With eight periods that averaged 10 minutes, it was Freo’s second match simulation in the space of four days following the mandatory five-day lockdown across Perth, Peel and the South West region.
Prominent in both match simulations were first year trio Heath Chapman, Josh Treacy and Joel Western.
Chapman shone with the contested marking abilities that saw the defender taken in the first round of the 2020 NAB AFL National Draft, but he also stood out with his tackling, spoils and smothering.
Taken as a rookie, Treacy continued to show potential as a key forward, using his trademark physicality while taking a number of contested marks.
Western arrived at Freo boasting the best 20-second sprint time since records were first kept in 2010, and his acceleration and pace was prominent down the wing and at half forward in both sessions.
Western said that both Chapman and Treacy had what it takes to play AFL football in 2021.
“’Trace’ and ‘Chappy’ have both really impressed me,” Western said.
“Chappy’s been doing some really special things, he’s working really hard after training doing extras.
“Treacy as well. He’s come in as a ready made player and he uses that to his advantage while he crashes packs and takes some really strong overhead marks.”
While Western is working on all aspects of his game, he said he would continue to focus on utilising his strengths at training and in games.
“(Acceleration and pace) is definitely my main strength that I want to bring to the team,” Western said.
“There’s a bit of speed and acceleration and run and carry. When I can, penetrate with the ball and go in deep to the forwards.
“I’ve been playing at half forward and learning off the boys, there’s a lot of talented forwards down there to teach you where to stand.
“I’m still asking the questions, which is good as I’m still learning. But I can’t wait to get to that stage where I know what’s going on and I can work a bit of my magic.”
That Joel Western ???????? ?? #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/E7TsyzJfM1
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) February 10, 2021
Western said that he couldn’t wait to see any of his fellow first year players make their debut.
“There’s a bit of competition going on to see who can get it first but I’ll be happy for whoever, really. If it’s me or if it’s any of the other boys, I’ll be just as happy,” Western said.
