SOUTH Fremantle midfielder Fred Rodriguez burst onto the scene last year as one of Western Australia’s top draft prospects for 2025. The dual-footed, inside-outside on-baller is a balanced player who has spent time training with Fremantle this preseason as part of the AFL Academy program.

A Dockers supporter, Rodriguez played all four games for WA at last year’s Under 18 National Championships, quickly making up for lost time having missed the 2023 Under 16 carnival due to injury. As a top-ager, he is looking to add weapons to his game and crack into the Bulldogs’ senior side.

We spoke to Rodriguez at last week’s WAFL Colts preseason testing event, hosted by Rookie Me.

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PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Fred, can you tell us a bit about your journey through the pathway?

A: It’s been really good. I got selected for the [State] 16s but didn’t play because of injury. But then being part of the summer squad last year was a really good experience. Training with guys like Luke Urquhart and Bo Allan for the whole preseason was really beneficial. Just getting those elite standards and seeing what the best do.

Q: How was the experience of playing in the National Futures match at the MCG?

A: That was an awesome experience. It was good to get some exposure with the other best players in the country and a really good experience just to go travel, be there on grand final day and play on the MCG. It was pretty surreal.

Q: What about the National Academy camp?

A: The Academy was really fun. We had a camp in December down in Geelong. Got around all the boys, got to meet and everyone and started making good relationships. It was pretty fun.

Q: Do you anticipate maintaining your midfield role this year?

A: At the moment I’m just training as a midfielder, but I don’t really care where I play. I’m happy to play any role, but yeah, just training as a midfielder so we’ll see where it goes.

Q: What are the strengths in your game?

A: Probably my contested ball and two-way running, then just being able to go inside or outside and use the ball.

Q: What about the things you’re still looking to improve on?

A: Over the preseason I’ve been working on my speed and my power, so I’ve had a couple of sprint coaches. Then also just making my disposal efficiency a bit better.

Q: Who are some of the South Fremantle and West Australian players you’re most looking forward to playing alongside this year?

A: I’m looking forward to playing with Blake Kelly. We obviously played together last year in the Champs, but never played together as two pure midfielders, so it’d be really good to share the middle of the ground with him. And then at South, hopefully I’ll crack a League game, so playing with guys like Isiah Winder and Haiden Schloithe would be really good.

Q: How do you think South Fremantle will go this year in the Colts? 

A: We’re really confident. We think we’ve got a really good list and we’ve been training the house down, so we’ll see where it goes.

Q: Which AFL club do you support?

A: Fremantle.

Q: Who has had the most influence on your career?

A: Probably my dad. From a young age, just kicking the ball with me. He played WAFL Colts and Reserves so knew what he’s talking about and was really good for advice.

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