Fremantle defender Karl Worner says captain Alex Pearce has helped transform his game as the 23-year-old enjoys a career-best season in 2025, having played all but one game so far. 

Worner is now in his fourth season at Fremantle and had previously never played more than four senior games in a year - until now, largely crediting the breakthrough to work he did with Pearce over the off-season, as well as finding confidence and continuity in his game. 

“The captain Alex Pearce has done wonders for me and my football,” Worner revealed at his Tuesday afternoon media conference. 

“Over the off-season period I caught up with him quite a few times.

“We just went through areas where I could improve my football and take my game to the next level. 

“I’m just trying to improve my leadership and grow parts of my game week by week, and I know there is still plenty of development left. 

“I think it’s just the standards that have been set - not just as a backline group but as a footy club overall. 

“I love playing for this football Club. I’ve been sort of waiting for an opportunity, and it’s been really nice to get a bit of continuity in my football. 

“I know what’s expected of me with the standards that are set.” 

Worner is averaging 13.8 disposals, 4.2 marks, 1.8 tackles, and 208.7 metres gained per game in 2025, while matching up against some of the opposition’s best small forwards.

Ahead of Saturday's blockbuster clash with the Hawks, Worner says the team is looking to return to its best after a disappointing loss to the Swans in Round 17. 

“Generally, just our consistency over the four quarters wasn’t there (against the Swans),” Worner explained. 

“We know where our best football is at, and we know where our best team defence is at. 

“I think particularly before the bye we had really strong consistency, and since the bye we probably haven’t quite been where we want to be. 

“That’s something we’ll work on at training this week to try and get back to our best.”