Hayden Young and Murphy Reid Set to Transform Fremantle's Midfield into an Elite Force
While Luke Jackson's transition to a big-bodied midfielder has dominated Fremantle's pre-season headlines, the emergence of a fully-fit Hayden Young and the rising talent of Murphy Reid could be the key to propelling the Dockers' engine room into the upper echelon of the AFL. With vice-captains Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw providing a solid foundation, these new dynamics might just be what Fremantle needs to chase premiership glory.
The Impact of Hayden Young's Return to Full Fitness
Hayden Young, at 24 years old, is poised for a breakout season that could significantly boost Fremantle's midfield performance. In the pre-season win against Adelaide, Young demonstrated his elite ball-handling skills, particularly by foot, making him one of the team's most effective distributors. His ability to win clearances was on full display, with an impressive eight in the first half alone, but it was his precision in delivering the ball inside forward 50 that truly stood out.
This skill set is expected to play a crucial role in Fremantle's evolution into a high-scoring team, as his accurate kicks could create numerous scoring opportunities for the forwards. Young's presence in the middle not only enhances the clearance work but also adds a layer of strategic depth that has been missing, potentially making the Dockers' midfield one of the most formidable in the competition.
Murphy Reid's Rising Influence and Spatial Awareness
Murphy Reid, though only in his second year, brings a unique set of strengths to Fremantle's midfield, with his exceptional spatial awareness and composure under pressure being his standout attributes. While it may be too early to label him as a full-time midfielder for 2026, his knack for making smart decisions with the ball, even in heavy traffic, compensates for his current lack of physical size.
During the match against Adelaide, Reid faced challenges, such as being easily shoved away by captain Jordan Dawson, highlighting areas for growth in building his body for the rigors of midfield play. However, his innate ability to read the game and execute under pressure ensures that opposing teams will need to pay close attention to him, especially when he gains confidence and momentum. As Reid gradually transitions into a more prominent midfield role, his development could free up other players and add a new dimension to Fremantle's tactical approach.
Shai Bolton's Role and Fremantle's Overall Midfield Strategy
With Reid's progression, Shai Bolton is expected to take on a larger share of creative responsibilities in the forward line. After Fremantle invested heavily to bring Bolton home from Richmond at the end of 2024, his first season in purple was considered passable, but there is anticipation for more impactful performances. Bolton's immense talent has often teased fans, showing flashes of brilliance but lacking the consistency to fully dominate games.
If Bolton can recapture or surpass his 2022 All-Australian form, where he kicked 43.41, and combine forces with Young and Reid's contributions up the field, Fremantle could become a serious contender in the premiership race. The synergy between these players, along with the reliability of Serong and Brayshaw, creates a balanced and potent midfield mix that could elevate the Dockers to elite status, making them a team to watch closely in the upcoming season.
