Fremantle nice Paul Hasleby has backed Ethan Hughes to edge out former first-round draftee Liam Henry within the battle for the wing place for the Dockers’ spherical one conflict towards St Kilda on March 19.
A foot damage has hindered Nathan O’Driscoll’s pre-season and he’s prone to want extra time to get conditioning earlier than the season opener, whereas the lack of Blake Acres to Carlton final season has opened up a spot on the wing reverse James Aish.
Both Hughes (18 disposals and two clearances) and Henry (16 and one) pushed their case to play towards the Saints with spectacular performances within the 31-point pre-season win over Port Adelaide in Fremantle on Thursday night.
Four-time Glendinning–Allan medallist Hasleby stated Hughes ought to get the primary crack forward of Henry, who can be a sensible choice for the sub.
“I think the positive over the pre-season is he (Henry) has displayed some good signs, it looks like his work rate and his defensive intensity has improved,” Hasleby stated.
“At this point in time, I think he’s just going to miss out because Ethan Hughes has been preferred on a wing as well and has had an excellent couple of games.
“James Aish is likely to line up on the other one (wing) and you’ve still got to squeeze in potentially Michael Walters and Michael Frederick, who in particular Frederick has the ability to push up and spend a bit of time on the wing if required.”
Another powerful choice name surrounds second-year ahead Jye Amiss, who was neglected for the pre-season sport in favour of Josh Treacy, who slotted two targets in a formidable outing.
Hasleby stated even when Amiss missed early within the season, he would nonetheless play a bit half in 2023 because the Dockers pursued a top-four spot.
“I think it’s important this year to continue to grow Jye Amiss as a player because if they are to contend they do need to have a gun full forward,” Hasleby stated.
“Clearly that’s going to take a bit of time and after an exciting finish to his first season, it’s just a message to him that he’s still got a bit of work to do on areas of his game.
“That’s the beauty of where Fremantle are at because of the outstanding pre-season of Josh Treacy, Luke Jackson coming in, the fitness of Matt Taberner and the forward presence of Nat Fyfe.
“In any sporting team if you have everybody competing for spots and nobody assured of a position at any given time, that can only be a good thing for the culture.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
