New faces impress:
The end of the 2025 season saw seven new faces join Freo, and all seven took part in Friday’s 18v18 at main training. All had their moments and showed their class.
Ruck recruit Mason Cox impressed down forward, taking several contested marks and finishing his work in front of goal, battling hard against Fremantle’s key defenders across the morning.
Trade acquisition Judd McVee was a regular distributor with his clean kicking off half-back and wing, linking up nicely with teammates on multiple occasions.
Rookie draftee Leon Kickett was lively and used his dynamic skill to dance through traffic and look dangerous inside forward 50.
Geelong VFL draftee Tobyn Murray showed his more mature 20-year-old body in the contest, shrugging tackles to deliver inside his attacking arc.
Adam Sweid showed why he was selected with the Club’s first pick in last year’s National Draft, showing no fear in taking the game on and following up with repeat efforts to win himself a free kick in a nice play that finished with key forward Jye Amiss having a shot on goal
NGA selection Toby Whan showcased his running capability, working up and down the wing to be an important link in some transitioning play.
Fellow NGA Ryda Luke competed hard throughout the session as he continues to develop his craft with the other young forwards and build his endurance
Switta and Wags are back:
Sam Switkowski and Corey Wagner were two important cogs in Fremantle’s 16-win 2025 season, but both missed the Club’s Elimination Final against Gold Coast through injury.
Both are putting in hard work over the off-season to get back in good shape, and Friday’s session showed why they are two important players within Justin Longmuir’s side.
The pair spent periods of the game opposed to each other and their commitment to the contest and playing their role for the team was undeniable.
Some slick ball movement across half-back and out of the contest saw Switkowski receive a lace-out kick from Murphy Reid before turning and pinpointing Amiss deep on the lead in some of the smoothest transition footy of the day
Leaders leading:
Captaining for his fourth consecutive season, Alex Pearce was a prominent voice both on and off the field during the four periods of play. On several occasions, the 30-year-old was seen and heard bellowing directions and encouragement to teammates from the backline.
With a number of newer faces, Pearce was noticeable at quarter-time huddles with his respective team, pulling the group together and ensuring everyone young and old was on the same page.
Pearce spent the majority of the game matched up on forward spearhead, and fellow leadership group member, Josh Treacy in a fascinating battle – with both enjoying moments over one another.
Jordan Clark picked up where his 2025 All-Australian season left off, consistently using run and spread to link chains off half-back and propel his side forward. The newest addition to the leadership group could also be heard directing traffic on the field.
Midfielder Hayden Young’s injury-interrupted 2025 season saw him manage just nine AFL games, but he looks fit and healthy, spending time between half-forward and the engine room.
His day was highlighted in the final period of play with a booming goal from outside 50 after a strong mark over his opponent
