The Fremantle Dockers' preparations for the 2025 AFL season have shifted into a higher gear, with a recent training session at Victor George Kailis Oval offering a glimpse into the club's emerging talent and strategic focus. The session, held on a warm Perth morning, was particularly notable for the strong performances of several players vying for a spot on the Supplementary Selection Period (SSP) list.
SSP Hopefuls Make Their Mark
Among the standouts were former West Coast Eagles train-on player Chris Scerri and ex-Carlton rookie Zac Harding. Both athletes are training with Fremantle in the hope of securing a list spot through the SSP, which remains open until late February. Scerri, a 23-year-old midfielder, showcased his elite running capacity and clean skills, fitting seamlessly into various midfield and half-forward drills. His ability to find space and deliver the ball effectively under pressure did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff.
Zac Harding, a 21-year-old defender, also turned heads with his competitive edge. Harding was relentless in one-on-one contests, demonstrating strong defensive instincts and a physical presence that could add valuable depth to Fremantle's backline. His commitment to every contest, even in a training environment, highlighted his determination to earn a second chance at the AFL level.
Established Stars and Young Guns in the Mix
The session was not just about the new faces. Key forward Jye Amiss participated fully, moving well and connecting strongly in marking contests, a positive sign for Fremantle's attacking structure. Veteran midfielder Nat Fyfe was managed through the session, focusing on lighter duties and skills work as part of a tailored program to manage his workload.
Young gun Josh Draper, who is tipped for a breakout season, continued his impressive pre-season form. His athleticism and composure across half-back were on full display, reinforcing the internal optimism about his potential to lock down a regular senior spot in 2025. The competitive nature of the match simulation segments indicated a squad keen to push each other and improve.
Strategic Drills and Coaching Focus
Senior coach Justin Longmuir oversaw a session heavily focused on ball movement transitions and defensive structure. A significant portion of training was dedicated to moving the ball from defensive 50 to the attacking arc with speed and precision, a known area for improvement identified from the previous season. Assistant coaches were vocal, emphasising communication and positioning without the ball.
The intensity of the match simulation was high, with players clearly treating it as an opportunity to stake their claim for Round 1 selection. The coaching group is using these sessions to assess not only fitness and skill but also decision-making under fatigue, a critical component of modern AFL football.
What This Means for Fremantle's 2025 Campaign
The strong showing from SSP contenders like Scerri and Harding creates healthy competition for list spots, pushing the entire squad to perform. It demonstrates Fremantle's proactive approach to list management, seeking to unearth hidden talent that can complement their core of established stars and high draft picks.
With the pre-season campaign building towards practice matches, these training notes suggest a Fremantle side that is building depth and refining its game plan. The performances of emerging players provide genuine selection headaches for Longmuir and his team, which is an ideal scenario for any club heading into a new season. The Dockers appear to be laying a solid foundation as they aim to return to finals contention in the 2025 AFL season.
