Sam Switkowski says his forward-line teammate Sam Sturt has been prepared to finish a protracted AFL drought “for a while” as he corporations for a return in opposition to Gold Coast in Friday’s Gather Round conflict at Norwood Oval.
The former first-round draft decide hasn’t been sighted on the prime stage since spherical 4, 2021, greater than two years in the past, after early harm troubles earlier than having to bide his time within the WAFL.
Switkowski has backed the 22-year-old to deliver some X-Factor in assault if he’s given the nod so as to add to his 4 AFL appearances as anticipated.
There’s a spot as a ahead goal up for grabs after spearhead Matt Taberner went residence to Perth with a again harm, together with his return timeframe not but recognized.
“Sturty came in with a bang, he kicked a few goals in his first game and was in the side and on fire but he had a bit of trouble with his body,” Switkowski advised The West Australian.
“His last year has actually been a really solid build back to the level, he played some really quality footy at Peel.
“He’s a real dangerous threat down forward, brings some pace to the game and is a reliable set shot so he’s got plenty of upside and skill and a bit of X-Factor that he can bring to the team.
“He’s been ready to go for a while, he’s just been waiting for his opportunity so hopefully it’s this week. But I’m excited to hopefully have him back in.”
It comes after coach Justin Longmuir praised the fashionable goal-kicker on his pre-season and mentioned he was deserving of a possibility.
Sturt booted two vital late objectives for Peel of their opening-round win over East Fremantle in Mandurah on Saturday and was additionally sturdy defensively.
“He’s impacting on both sides of the ball and bringing really strong intensity and consistent intensity for the whole game,” Longmuir mentioned.
“I’ve been really happy with his pre-season, I think his game in the pre-season against Port Adelaide was a massive step forward for him.
“Last week in the last quarter when Peel needed something, he was able to kick a couple goals, lay a couple tackles and win some really strong contests.
“He’s confident and deserves an opportunity, whether it’s this week or as a sub. We’ll sort through that.”
Switkowski doesn’t suppose Fremantle’s great amount of low season motion, together with retired games-record holder David Mundy, 2022 main goal-kicker Rory Lobb, swingman Griffin Logue and winger Blake Acres, is accountable for his or her gradual begin to the 12 months.
“I don’t think so honestly,” Switkowski mentioned.
“We’ve had a lot of change year on year through our forward-line, especially since I’ve been at the club.
“It happens a lot. Building chemistry takes time and you think about some of the best teams and best forward-lines in the club, they’ve had a lot of players play together for a long time, but I wouldn’t put that down to the reason why it’s not functioning as well as it should.”
Switkowski mentioned the group was embracing their prolonged keep in Adelaide as they regarded to get their season again on observe after a disappointing 1-3 begin.
“We really embraced the hubs of 2020 and 2021 and they brought us closer together as a playing group and the club as a whole with our staff and coaches,” he mentioned.
“We’ve been embracing this week and doing a few things together socially to bring some positivity and have some fun and get away from the game a little bit.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
