Fremantle Dockers defender Josh Draper receives long awaited AFL Rising Star nomination after western derby
One month after being surprisingly overlooked for an AFL Rising Star nomination after a match-winning display against Sydney, Fremantle defender Josh Draper has been added to the league’s Class of 2024.
Draper was nominated for his efforts against West Coast on Saturday night in what was his 16th match during an impressive debut season.
There were widespread expectations that Draper would receive his time in the sun after the Swans game, given his final term lifted the Dockers to victory, but he wasn’t made to wait for too long after that game before being recognised.
His teammates let out a massive roar when Luke Ryan announced the news.
Draper said he appreciated the way everyone backed him after not receiving the initial nomination.
“I felt very supported,” he said.
Camera IconJosh Draper had a massive game against Sydney Credit: Matt King/via Getty Images
“But at the end of the day, I don’t really care about the award. I just keep going about my day, my work and keep playing my role.
“(That game) gave me the belief that I could play at the level. When I’m playing to my strengths and playing freely, I can achieve good things. It gave me great confidence.”
Recruited from Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy, Draper was originally a forward but found himself thrust into the backline after joining the Dockers.
Now he’s learning from Ryan, Brennan Cox and Alex Pearce while being handed key jobs on some of the biggest names in the AFL.
Midfielder Caleb Serong said Draper’s ability to put the disappointment of losing his place in the team when Pearce, Ryan and Cox were all available and then slot straight back in at his next opportunity showed how much talent the youngster has.
Draper said playing on Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow in just his third game had been one of the highlights of his season.
Camera IconJosh Draper in action. Credit: RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/AAPIMAGE
“It’s a good opportunity for me to play on those keys and just develop. Against Carlton earlier in the year against Charlie Curnow who is one of the best forwards in the comp, that gave me the confidence that if I’m playing to my best, I can play at the level,” he said.
“Going through the ranks I played as a forward at Peel Thunder. When I got to Fremantle, I got the move down back. I think that’s been the best decision for me.
“It’s been really good for my development. I can see the game from behind the ball and use my athleticism to spoil the ball, mark the ball and get involved in offence.”
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