New Fremantle captain Alex Pearce says a late-career transfer dwelling to a hypothetical Tasmanian aspect is one thing he must contemplate.
The key defender, who put three injury-interrupted years behind him to get pleasure from a career-best season in 2022, mentioned his dwelling state had been “left behind” by the AFL and wanted to rapidly discover a place inside the competitors.
Pearce, from Ulverstone on Tasmania’s north coast, was certainly one of two skippers from the Apple Isle at AFL Captains’ Day on Wednesday alongside Richmond co-captain Toby Nankervis.
The 27-year-old mentioned he was captivated with Tasmanian soccer and must give robust thought to any supply that got here from an growth aspect in three or 4 years.
“I’m obviously very settled in Perth and very happy with this new role, which I’m extremely proud to have,” Pearce mentioned.
“But obviously at the tail end of my career, I’ll entertain the thought … it’s hypothetical though and it’s going to be a long way away.
“I’m not sure if my body will hold up for another few years, so they might have to make it move pretty quick!”
The AFL had a “huge opportunity” to get into the Tasmanian market earlier than different codes continued to lure folks away from soccer, Pearce mentioned.
“There’s a lot more competition around these days for young kids playing football – basketball has taken a huge step with the JackJumpers,” he mentioned.
“I think we are at risk of being left behind in terms of footy … these other codes are making moves and we’ve got a real opportunity as the AFL to gain that control back.
“We’re a footy state, we’re a proud footy state and that feeling is still there all around, so I think it’s a huge opportunity the AFL needs to take advantage of.”
Pearce mentioned his focus was firmly mounted on his new function on the Dockers, who he mentioned had been nicely positioned to enhance on their semi-final look in 2022 on account of their important depth.
“We’ve got lots of guys vying for spots – particularly during the pre-season when all you’re doing is training and playing each other. It makes the competition really fierce out there and that holds us in good stead,” he mentioned.
He mentioned gun ahead Sam Sturt, who impressed in Fremantle’s apply matches in opposition to Adelaide and Port Adelaide, was poised for a breakout season.
“I think he’s got a little bit fitter – he’s worked and worked this pre-season and got an opportunity the last couple of weeks,” he mentioned.
“He’s always going to be dangerous when he gets the ball, he’s a great kick, and he’s a really, really exciting forward, but the way he’s brought his pressure and tackling up to a new level has been really impressive.”
Source: www.news.com.au
