WITH the 2021 AFL Draft done and dusted, Rookie Me Central takes a look through each clubs’ hauls to assess the areas they bolstered and what each fresh face promises to bring to their new side. Next under the microscope is Fremantle, one of the big winners out of this year’s intake with an array of local selections – including two in the top 10 and a second-round steal.

National Draft selections:

#8 Jye Amiss (East Perth/Western Australia)
#10 Neil Erasmus (Subiaco/Western Australia)
#21 Matthew Johnson (Subiaco/Western Australia)
#54 Eric Benning (Claremont/Western Australia)

Rookie Draft selections:

#8 Karl Worner
Mitch Crowden (re-listed)
Connor Blakely (re-listed)

Fremantle truly capitalised on the depth of local talent available at this year’s draft, bringing in a slew of West Australians for the second year running. Jye Amiss was first up, a sensible choice at pick eight with Richmond also lurking for a key forward. With a Colts goalkicking record of 50.15 this season, he may be the reliable sharpshooter Dockers fans have longed for.

In ideal circumstances, Freo began to catch wind that Matthew Johnson would be on the slide. Having considered him with picks eight and 10, they ended up capping their first round with his Subiaco teammate Neil Erasmus. Another tall midfielder, Erasmus is an absolute workhorse who will take over from the likes of David Mundy down the line, and could be the mid-forward fold Freo needs with Nat Fyfe set for another stint on the sidelines.

After being made to wait all of night one, Johnson heard his name called out with the very first selection on night two. The Dockers fielded offers for pick 21 from other clubs, but ultimately went with the talent they rated very highly and essentially covered some of the class lost upon Adam Cerra‘s departure.

Rounding out the Docker’s National Draft haul was Eric Benning, a developing ruck-forward with great athleticism and upside. He came out of the club’s NGA program and should be given plenty of time to develop. Before Mitch Crowden and Connor Blakely were re-listed, Freo also took on a Victorian in Karl Worner, a 19th-year wingman who offers versatility, work rate, and sound kicking on the outer.