David King was hugely impressed by Fremantle midfielder Caleb Serong’s performance in the Dockers’ Elimination Final win over the Western Bulldogs.
As well as collecting a prolific 33 disposals and 10 clearances, Serong kicked a crucial goal from a stoppage late in the second quarter helping spark his side as they went on to kick seven of the next eight goals.
Having been down by 41 points during the second quarter, King believes Serong was a key component behind Fremantle’s ability to chip away at the lead and “keep the wheel turning” even when they looked down and out.
“I just thought Serong was the constant all game,” King said on SEN’s Whateley.
“Particularly at the stoppage, I think he had 10 clearances, it sort of wasn’t even about numbers with Serong.
“He’s had 33 (disposals), 10 clearances, 16 contested (possessions), he kicks a goal from stoppage and just when they were really battling early, I thought that he was one that just kept fighting the fight.
“With 10 minutes to go there was still only a goal a difference, the game was never as easy as it looked.
“I know they got jumped and they (the Bulldogs) lead by 41 points, it’s a big margin, to see them just chip away, grind away and keep the wheel turning, I thought he was a major player in that.”
Having already won the NAB Rising Star, AFLPA Best First Year Player and AFLCA Best Young Player awards so far in his career, King is expecting big things for the 21-year-old who he compared to one of the best players in the competition.
“I don’t think we talk about him enough,” King said.
“I’ve compared him to a young Lachie Neale, I think he is exactly Lachie Neale from five years ago.
“That’s the player he reminds me of, that was an amazing performance.”
Serong and the Dockers will be hoping to progress to a Preliminary Final against Sydney when they face Collingwood in a Semi-Final on Saturday night at the MCG.