Fremantle’s fast-paced side cruised to a 28-point win over West Coast in Saturday’s match simulation, but the result took a turn for the worse when Eagles rookie Noah Long suffered a serious injury.

Long went down late in the contest when his left leg got caught in the oval grass of Victor George Kallis in a tackle by Karl Volner.

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The young eagle was clearly in pain as it remained motionless as medics quickly arrived to help.

Having already overcome what former Eagle Will Schofield described as a “car crash-like” injury in recent seasons, the foot problem is a further blow to the youngster’s AFL hopes.

Long wasn’t the only one missing out on Fremantle’s 12.9 (81) to 8.5 (53) win. Docker Brennan Cox finished with ice on his left calf.

Despite the result, West Coast’s young players showed plenty of promise with their first two picks, Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler, scoring the first two goals.

THE 3-2-1… (What we learned)

3. Fast Free-O to find your tempo

It was just 12 months ago that Freo coach Justin Longmuir criticized comments about the club’s “vanilla” play.

But it’s clear that this is a fast-paced Freo, looking to take the fight at every opportunity.

“Freo performed best today when he moved quickly,” said former Eagle Will Schofield.

“It’s manual at first, and then we’re on the same page.

“They looked really good with their transitions and quick moves. It’s about whether they can do that this year against the best defenses in the entire league.”

“The best defenses keep that switch. They don’t let Freo get there in the first place.”

At the center of this movement were Hayden Young, who missed most of 2025 due to injury, and Brandon Walker, who suffered a serious shoulder injury early last season.

Getting these two players back in the lineup for 2026 would take Fremantle much closer to their hopes of reaching the finals.

2. Eagles rookie shines

It took just a few minutes for the West Coast’s prized pick to make an impact against the Dockers.

Willem Duursma, the No. 1 pick, shot at will in the opening minutes and absolutely roosted from outside 50 to score West Coast’s first goal.

“A No. 1 pick with all the skills,” Adam Papalia said.

“It’s just a game simulation, but it’s going to be a lot of excitement for Eagles fans.”

Former Eagle Will Schofield loved what he saw from the prized No. 1 pick.

“If you want West Coast fans to get a little excited, Dursma had about five touches in a few minutes… Jagged 50-to-one touch in some pretty strong winds,” he said.

“If you’re a West Coast fan, we absolutely love what you see there.

“When I missed two or three steps, I didn’t even think about passing that step.

“Top draft picks are wired that way.

“They have a lot of confidence in their ability. For a young player like that, getting himself back in there and putting it in never seemed to be lacking.

“Exciting stuff.”

After that, No. 4 Cooper Duff-Tytler, the No. 2 pick, scored West Coast’s second goal, showing a bright spot.

2023 No. 1 pick Harley Reid is also back to his best, but Schofield warned the midfield star needs more help to stay on track.

“They want the senior players to help him, Elliot Yeo and Tim Kelly, probably the two guys there that I’m talking about,” he explained.

“They need them to have a good year so he doesn’t have to carry all the weight of West Coast midfield.

“Because he can. He’s good enough. But they’ll be hoping he gets some support this year.”

1. The key to confidence to increase mistakes

It was the performance of Gee Amis that brought a bright light to Fremantle’s attack.

The forward, who is only 22 years old, scored four goals in Saturday’s 28-point win over West Coast.

Former Eagle Will Schofield believes Amis needs early confidence to regain his best time in 2023.

“Ge Amis, I think he really needs to start the year off well. What we saw today was really impressive,” he said.

“I always come for the football.

“That’s where he plays his best kicker.

“He’s really quick off the mark and moves really well.”

Amis has struggled in recent years to emulate his career-best feat of 41 goals in 2023, but he has managed to strengthen his attack with the additions of Josh Tracy and Pat Voss.

Amis scored 36 goals in 2024 and 32 last year.

“I don’t think we’re going to see a lot of him on the wing this year,” said Schofield, who played well on Saturday.

Follow the match on our live blog below. If you can’t see the blog, click here

squad

Fremantle: Jay Amis, Shai Bolton, Andy Brayshaw, Heath Chapman, Jordan Clarke, Brennan Cox, Mason Cox, Neil Erasmus, Michael Frederick, Luke Jackson, Matt Johnson, Oscar McDonald, Judd McVie, Tobin Murray, Nathan O’Driscoll, Jaeger O’Meara, Alex Pearce, Murphy Reid, Caleb Theron, Chris Celli, Josh Tracy, Pat Voss, Corey Wagner, Brandon Walker, Carl Warner, Hayden Young.

do not have: Bailey Banfield, Jalen Carr, Sean Darcy, Hugh Davies, Josh Draper, Isaiah Dudley, Leon Kickett, Lyda Luke, Olly Murphy, Charlie Nicholls, Alex Riddle, Luke Ryan, Jeremy Sharp, Cooper Simpson, Sam Sturt, Adam Sweed, Sam Suikowski, Toby Wan

West coast: Willem Duersma, Jake Waterman, Josh Lindsey, Elliott Yeo, Elijah Hewett, Harley Reid, Tim Kelly, Noah Long, Jamie Cripps, Matt Owis, Tom McCarthy, Tyler Young, Cooper Duff Tytler, Archer Reid, Ryan Mali Matt Flynn, Beau Allan, Tom Cole, Clay Hall, Rhett Buzzo, Jack Williams, Jobe Shanahan, Hamish Davis, Deven Robertson, Sandy Bullock, Harry Edwards, Tyrell Dewar, Finlay McRae, Jacob Newton, Harry Schoenberg

do not have: Liam Baker, Reuben Gimbey, Tyler Brockman, Liam Duggan, Jack Graham, Brady Hough, Ryan Malick, Harvey Johnston, Tom Gross, Harry Barnett, Lucca Grego, Bailey Williams, Malachi Champion, Jack Hutchinson, Fred Rodriguez, Tyra Williams, Sam Allen, Brandon Starcevic.