WITH the 2021 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (November 24/25), clubs have had the opportunity to exchange picks with the final order formed just over a week out. While the chaos settles, Rookie Me Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake with the hand they formed at the close of trade period.

Next under the microscope is Fremantle, a side which lost some midfield class during trade period but has the opportunity to immediately regain it with three top 20 selections.

CURRENT PICKS: 6, 8, 19, 61, 69, 84

2022 PICKS: FRE Round 1, GEE Round 4

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON COMBINE INVITEES:

Jesse Motlop (NGA), Eric Benning (NGA)

LIST NEEDS:

+ Midfield class and run
+ Key forward depth

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 6)

While Richmond lays claim to a pick in between, it is just about worth bunching Fremantle’s first two picks together as whatever the Dockers overlook with pick six, they will likely cover with pick eight. Of course, it is also worth noting that after the inevitable bids on Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy come in, Freo’s first rounders will slide down to picks eight and 10.

There has been some talk about the Dockers’ infatuation with Finn Callaghan, a top five talent whose size, class, and athleticism suit Fremantle’s needs perfectly. Though with little to work with in the way of future picks and a favourable position as it is, moving up the order to guarantee Callaghan’s services seems unlikely.

Local talent is understandably on the mind for Freo fans and after much of the West Australian crop enjoyed a full season of football, there are a few worth looking at in the top 10. Subiaco pair Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson are two tall midfielders in the mix; with one a workhorse who will likely start his career up forward, while the other is a smooth operator who uses the ball beautifully.

Looking more towards the outer, South Australian Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera could tempt the Dockers with many other clubs in for him around the 6-12 range. His outside run, bag of tricks, and supreme kicking ability as a wingman make him another viable option with plenty of upside.

Should Fremantle prioritise a need for key position depth, East Perth spearhead Jye Amiss will be difficult to overlook. His Colts goalkicking record of 50.15 this season put him well within top 10 contention, but state Under 19 teammate Jacob van Rooyen could also be worth a look given his own record and swingman capabilities. He may be a reach at picks 8-10, but may not be there at Freo’s next selection.

Keeping with the theme of key position candidates, Mac Andrew is a rare talent who should also come into Fremantle’s calculations. While primarily a ruck with scope to develop at either end of the ground, his athleticism, aerial ability, and rate of development make him a very good chance to go in Freo’s range. Should he slip past GWS and Adelaide, mercurial small forward Josh Rachele would also be a handy get.

REMAINING CROP:

With plenty to consider on the back of two top 10 selections, Fremantle could add a cherry on top with pick 19. It depends on what the Dockers do with their first pair of selections, and whether multiple needs are covered, but their second-rounder may be tabled in order to trade back into next year’s draft.

Should they keep the pick, Freo could look to add even more midfield class or outside running power, then grab a bargain or local mature-aged midfielder with one of its later picks (61, 69) and bounce out with four fresh faces. Ironically enough, Jesse Motlop could be an option after the Fremantle NGA talent was thought to be lost to the Dockers within the top 40 due to bidding rules surrounding metro-based prospects.

If available, which seems unlikely, Josh Goater and Arlo Draper are versatile talents with scope to become highly dynamic inside midfielders, but will likely start their careers at either end of the ground and while classy, arguably do not have the running power Fremantle may be after in midfield. Along with Motlop, Sam Butler is a clean and speedy mid-forward who also lies in this range.

Elsewhere, Campbell Chesser offers an ideal blend of speed and skill as a dashing wingman who could also slot in off half-back or move onto the inside. He will be right in Fremantle’s hitting zone, as will Tom Brown. The Murray Bushrangers product played plenty of footy across half-back this year, but can also impact on the wing or as a high-marking forward.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Will Fremantle capitalise on the local talent available?
> Will Fremantle prioritise a midfielder or key forward with its early selections?
> Will Fremantle look to trade back into next year’s draft?