COLTS PRE-SEASON REVIEW

After a challenging year for our Colts Program in 2023, we caught up with Daniel Marie (Talent Manager) to check in for 2024. Below are his thoughts.

What has been the primary focus of pre-season for the program?
Our primary focus this pre-season has been getting the group to galvanise and work for each other. After a tough year in 2023, we wanted to move forward and make sure playing for your teammates was second nature and a non-negotiable if you wanted to make our side.

What do you think is the biggest change you’ve seen in the group?

The attitude at training has been fantastic. It’s been a gruelling pre-season with a lot of hard work, but the boys have stayed positive and always leave the track with smiles on their faces. The group are doing a great job of helping each other to keep working when things are getting tough on the track.

Who are the new/returning players we need to look out for?

Aidan Harvey is one who is set for a big year after being on our list but not playing in the past two years due to school commitments and injury. The big ruckman has been working hard so far in the pre-season and is looking ready to crack in to Season 2024.

Tom Bell is a new player who has just joined this year who is also looking good so far in 2024. A good runner and mark of the footy, Tom is fitting in well with our group and we’re looking forward to seeing how he goes.

Who do you think is set for their breakout year?

Toby Whan is in his 17 ^th year which is considered his first “proper” year of Colts, and is looking to build on the 5 Colts games he played in 2023. He is currently with the State 18s Summer program and is smashing his pre-season both with the State Academy and at South Fremantle when he trains with us. Toby’s running and ball winning ability are highlights in his game and he is one to keep an eye on in 2024.

Which fixture match up are you most looking forward to for 2024?

The WA Day Derby at Fremantle Oval will be one we will be circling in the fixture early on. After East Fremantle got the better of us in the colts in 2023, it was clear the boys weren’t happy with being beaten by our rivals and we will be desperate to bounce back and take a win on a huge day in the SFFC calendar.

Any new staff/support staff embracing the Club and what it has to offer?

New Colts Team Manager Anthony Pivac has dived head first into his role and has played a huge part in our season so far. Anthony is both coaching with the Futures and Team Manager for the Colts, so it’s a busy time of year for him. Ant has organised food for both Futures and Colts camps, and has done a great job of organising the colts boys so far.

We call ourselves the ‘Premier Family Club,’ how have you seen these values displayed?

New Colts Head Coach Matt Rogers has been great in how he has bought in to the ‘Premier Family Club’ values. Matt has made an effort to make sure all of our players feel like part of the South Fremantle family, and making a great environment for the players to come down and feel part of something bigger than themselves. Matt’s family has also grown in 2024, with he and wife Steph welcoming in Baby Henley to the Rogers and Bulldogs family. We’re looking forward to seeing Henley and big brother Austin running around on Fremantle Oval in Bulldogs jumpers in the coming years!