Former top-10 pick still has the “fire” to compete and hoping to win AFL list spot after summer training
Former top-10 draft pick Nathan Freeman has been given a chance to find his way onto a third AFL list and is hoping to finally showcase his talent at the top level.
Freeman, 26, will train with Gold Coast over the summer with the potential to be added to the club’s list via the pre-season supplemental selection period.
He was drafted with pick 10 to Collingwood in 2013 and also spent time on St Kilda’s list, however he’s played just two AFL games due to a consistent run of injuries.
His average of 38 disposals a game for the Frankston in the VFL this year highlights what he can do when fit.
The departure of inside bull Hugh Greenwood from the Suns would have sparked alarm bells for the club looking to protect its young midfield, as they quickly signed ex-Cat Charlie Constable through the draft to potentially fill the void.
Freeman has ambitions to play a similar role at the struggling outfit.
“I suppose once the Hugh Greenwood situation arose at the Suns there was obviously a spot there to be filled and a need for them,” he told Sportsday.
“Contact was made and we sort of thought for both parties it was a good idea if I went up and they have the need for a mature midfielder, so there’s a gap there.
“I suppose that’s exactly what I am.
“12 months ago I wasn’t even thinking about getting back in the system, but it’s funny how things happen.
“I think my body has matured and injuries are a thing of the past, and I can still play and play against AFL players and play well.
“I sort of thought I had a bit more to give, I’m only 26, I thought it’s a good opportunity to have a crack and the fire still burns, so why not.”
For a man with such an extensive injury history, especially with hamstrings, why would the Suns trust him to stay on the park?
Freeman says he’s understanding his body better than ever, and different training methods have led to him getting the best out of himself at the VFL.
“If I could put it (change of fortune with injuries) down to something I would, but it’s more just age and a bit of maturity,” he continued.
“I’ve sort of played in a way and trained in a way that I know works for me and I’ve found things that work.
“I’ve probably gone the other way, I’m probably doing less than what I was when I was in the system the first time.
“It’s probably just a trial-and-error thing, I’ve found exactly what works and I do those things and I don’t need to overdo it or overthink about it.
“I’ve been really good the last two or three years, I haven’t had an injury, touchwood.
“That’s the other thing, if I thought my body wasn’t up to it there’s no way I’d be doing it.
“Outside of footy I’m really content, but the last couple of years the fire burns in you again and I think I’m way better placed now to make an impact at AFL ladder and be an asset to a club.
“I think in all aspects it makes sense to go back in and have a crack.”
The Suns are entering one of the most important periods of their short history, Stuart Dew likely needing to push for the top eight in 2022 to keep his job as head coach.