There will be opportunities for Connor Blakely “if he’s in good form”.
Those were the words of Fremantle senior coach Justin Longmuir this week on SENWA.
Blakely appeared in 11 games last season, he was named medical sub in a total of 9 games and was used in 7 of those games.
Fremantle used the medical sub in 77.3% of games in 2021 (Rank 1).
Longmuir acknowledged Blakely has flexibility in his game to help the team but his position will ultimately come down to form.
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“Having some strings to your bow actually helps especially in his situation where he didn’t play a lot of footy last year,”
“We’ve given him an opportunity on the wing.”
“With (Nat) Fyfe, (David) Mundy and Caleb Serong missing a bit of pre-season as an inside mid he was playing our match sim but on the outside because he had a busted finger there for a little bit.”
“That’s given opportunity for guys like Will Brodie, Darcy Tucker and Connor to spend a lot of minutes through the middle of the ground and given them a lot of opportunities as inside mids which has really helped them improve aspects of each individual’s game.”
“So we think Connor has the flexibility to play inside and outside through our midfield, that’s only going to open up different opportunities for him to be a permanent player in the team.”
“Time will tell whether that happens early in the year or later in the year or whenever but I’m sure Connor will get some opportunity if he’s in good form.” Longmuir said.
Fantasy Impact: It doesn’t sound promising for an extended run in the Fremantle team for Connor Blakely, he likely remains a depth option only through the midfield.
The Dockers currently have good depth through the midfield with Blakely being an option, injuries would likely open the door for his position in the team with the situation also being currently monitored for any change.
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At this stage it’s a pass in season long fantasy for Blakely, there is value available in his salary but an absolute secure role for an extended period in the team is required before contemplating.
He’s likely a pass in single season draft leagues.
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