Fremantle’s first to fourth year players took part in their first skills-based session of the summer on Wednesday at Victor George Kailis Oval.

The players rotated through a number of drills, occasionally working in their positional groups alongside their fellow midfielders, forwards, defenders or rucks.

See all the photos from Wednesday's training session

Forward Sam Switkowski said he enjoyed the morning and found it very beneficial.

“Today was a really cool session. It was a bit different as it was a specific skills session with some conditioning incorporated in it,” Switkowski said.

“We got to choose which skills we wanted to work on and the coaches gave us a few as well.

“It was just more specific and individualised. It was something a bit different but it was pretty fresh and I think I got a lot out of it.”

Sam Switkowski in action at training on Wednesday



While Fremantle’s assistant coaches ran the sessions, senior coach Justin Longmuir was a constant presence on the field.

There was a focus on kicking, ground balls and contested marking for the key position players.

There was also a strong physical component, focusing on tackling techniques and winning the ground ball under pressure.

The players also rotated through goal kicking sessions overseen by assistant coach David Hale.

While they are not officially due back until Monday 18 November, five-plus year players Michael Walters, Ethan Hughes, Rory Lobb and new signing Blake Acres took part in a handful of the drills.

Walters’ leadership presence couldn’t be underestimated, especially when working with Fremantle’s young midfield group - encouraging the players to be vocal and push themselves.

He was particularly impressed with midfielder Brett Bewley, who constantly hit his targets throughout the morning.

Lobb and Sean Darcy worked on ruck-specific one-on-one drills with assistant coach Simon Eastaugh.

It was also good to see the likes of Matt Taberner, Joel Hamling and Stephen Hill back at the club early, working on their running as they prepare for their official return on Monday 18 November.