FREMANTLE recruit Nathan Wilson has declared it was “Freo or bust” for his trade back to Perth, and vowed to become a support for his childhood mate Harley Bennell.

Wilson didn’t take long to set the cast amongst the pigeons in his first press conference as a Docker. He revealed his lifelong love of the Dockers and the opposite for West Coast.

“Freo or bust. I don’t like the Eagles. Put that up,” he said. “You are either Freo or Eagles and I am Freo.”

Wilson said he and Bennell grew up together playing juniors in the Peel area and he hoped he could help his good mate overcome any mental and physical demons he still might have.

“I am best mates with Harley so it was a big one for me to come home and get him on the right track,” he said.

“The last two games for him was a massive boost. Mentally he was struggling for a bit with his legs and his injuries. We grew up together since we were young.”

He urged Bennell to: “Just know that I am here for support. The club has been massive but for him to know there is a shoulder he can lean on without the media being here on his case. He can tell me what he doesn’t tell a lot of people.”

Play Video Sharrod Wellingham, Tom Lamb, Zac Clarke, Aaron Mullett and Jack Trengove are among some of the more accomplished delisted free agents, are these highlights worthy of them earning a new home? Sharrod Wellingham, Tom Lamb, Zac Clarke, Aaron Mullett and Jack Trengove are among some of the more accomplished delisted free agents, are these highlights worthy of them earning a new home?

Wilson’s partner Stevie is expecting a child in February and to come home for family support was a major reason for his want to move, he said.

He was on a plane to Bali when the trade was finally done. He urged the AFL to shorten the trade period so there was less time for stress to build in players whose futures were under question.

“I know the missus was pretty stressed because it came down to the last day but that is when most of the trades were going to happen,” he said.

“Just make it a week. That would be better, no more stress.”

He said a Fremantle supporter showed him the trade on his phone just after the plane landed in Bali.

“The missus was crying and the family were crying because it was a dream come true,” he said.

He promised to take the game on as a rebounder next year after defending his man.

“I am exciting and I play on instinct. That is what I have done for the last four years since I have moved to the backline,” he said.