Hagdorn said the 20-year-old, selected with pick 38 at the 2016 draft, was leaner and tighter from shedding a considerable amount of puppy fat and seemed primed to become Fremantle's number one ruckman in season 2019. "He's only played the 15 games over two years but the kid is going to be a gun," Hagdorn said. "He looked terrific, he was running stronger, and it was more sustained than we've seen. "I think he is the number one ruckman now. Even Fyfe's comments post training session that it was 'time he stood up' ... that was indicative of the captain throwing him a challenge I reckon." Bailey Banfield has bulked up in anticipation of more midfield time in 2019. Credit:FFC

The incredible bulks: Connor Blakely and Bailey Banfield

After starring in his two previous seasons, only to have them cut short by injury, 22-year-old Connor Blakely looked strong on the track and likely to spend considerable game time in Fremantle's midfield after the departure of Lachie Neale to Brisbane at the end of 2018. "He looks terrific, and seemed extremely fit and healthy after missing from round 13 last year with knee troubles," Hagdorn said. The other player Hagdorn believed was primed for more midfield time next season was second-year rookie draft selection Bailey Banfield, who had an instant impact at the Dockers last season playing 20 games, most of them tagging some of the AFL's best players. "He looks much bigger and stronger this pre-season," Hagdorn said. "He's got thicker thighs, bigger shoulders ... he might have put on four to five kilograms. "I reckon both Banfield (188cm) and Blakely (188cm) are being geared up to play more midfield time."

Harley Bennell appeared in the frame for selection after a solid hitout. Credit:FFC The great hope: Harley Bennell

Recurring calf injuries and off-field issues have halted Bennell's bright AFL career and 2019 shapes as his last chance at Fremantle but Hagdorn said the 26-year-old looked good while he participated in the entire session. "He looks like he's back and ready to press his claims," Hagdorn said. "He completed the full session of running and skills work, and then went out and did some extra running loads. He appears ready to make a proper assault." The 26-year-old managed 11 games at WAFL level for Peel last year but his calves can't seem to manage the step up in speed and intensity at AFL level, which could derail his career for good.

The extra running loads in the pre-season should build extra strength in those areas and allow them to withstand the vigours of consistent AFL football. Aaron Sandilands moved well at training but one wonders why he was there so early? Credit:FFC The gentle giant: Aaron Sandilands

The 211cm mainstay of the Fremantle midfield, Sandilands averaged more than 40 hitouts per game for the third time in his 265-game career last season but was limited to 11 games due to concussion and calf injuries. With Sean Darcy poised to assume the mantle of the club's number one big man, 2019 could be the 36-year-old's final season unless he can stay relatively injury free after signing a one-year contract extension at the end of 2018. Hagdorn said the four-time All-Australian completed the full training session but questioned why the club would train Sandilands for the whole summer.

"I would've thought he should have had a later start to the pre-season, just to get through things," he said. "He looked fit and healthy, he always does ... he is a bit of a lumberer and always looks the same to me but I'm just not sure why he was out there this early." Gun recruit Jesse Hogan was there but didn't participate in the session. Credit:FFC The young gun: Adam Cerra

The no.5 draft pick from Victoria impressed Dockers fans in his debut season with his class and poise across 21 games, the highlight a 30-disposal effort against Adelaide in round 12 that garnered a Rising Star nomination. Cerra played the most out of any Fremantle debutant in 2018, which could explain his absence from the track on Monday.

"He wasn't actually at training and I've heard he's still battling a bit of calf trouble from his long season last year," Hagdorn said. "He looks like he might have a specialised training load to increase his strength and capabilities to get through his first pre-season, because he didn't have a full pre-season last year." High-profile recruit Jesse Hogan was restricted to the sidelines as he recovers from a partial stress fracture to the navicular bone in his right foot. Hagdorn, who will analyse AFL for WAtoday and Radio 6PR again in season 2019, said he was mostly impressed with Fremantle's first full training session of the pre-season. "They had 38 players in training ... they are big numbers, and they've still got four draft picks coming up," he said.