Fremantle Dockers teenager Caleb Serong named AFLPA Best First Year Player

Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
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VideoWatch as Nat Fyfe announces teammate Caleb Serong as the best young player, as voted by AFL players.

Fremantle’s Caleb Serong has claimed the first big accolade of his fledging career, named the AFL Players Association Best First Year Player.

Voted by his peers, Serong was rewarded for his excellent first season, which saw him average 17 disposals, four tackles and 3.4 clearances in 14 games.

The 19-year-old, who was taken with pick eight in last year’s draft, made his debut against Gold Coast in round four and quickly established himself as one of the Dockers’ key men in the midfield, playing every game from thereon.

WATCH THE MOMENT SERONG FINDS OUT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Captain Nat Fyfe made the award announcement to Serong last week in front of his teammates while in the Queensland hub.

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The teenager joins dual Brownlow medallists Adam Goodes and Chris Judd as well as former Dockers Michael Barlow, Paul Hasleby and Rhys Palmer in winning the award.

Camera IconCaleb Serong has been a stand out in his first year in the AFL. Credit: Paul R. Kane/AFL Photos

“I wasn’t really expecting it and it was really cool to hear it from (Fyfe),” Serong said.

“I pride myself on being a really tough opponent to play against, so hopefully that’s kind of what my opponents and teammates have taken away from the year and that I don’t give an inch.

“It’s a great honour and a pretty cool feeling.”

Serong said he began to feel comfortable at AFL level in a game against Geelong at Optus Stadium — the fifth of his career — where he had 22 disposals and seven tackles while playing on Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield.

In an article for the AFLPA, teammate David Mundy said Serong had all the tools to succeed at the top level.

“When Caleb came into our club after being drafted last year, he already had a full skill set and a really strong body,” Mundy said.

“And the moment he got his hands on the footy in training and in games, he looked really comfortable.

“He came into our system in a really good place to make the most of it, and he trained with really good intensity right from the day he walked into our club.

“He’s been quite vibrant and vocal, so it’s great to have someone come in and really have a lot of faith in themselves.”

Serong missed selection in the AFL Players 22 under 22 team though, with teammates Sean Darcy, Adam Cerra and Andrew Brayshaw all named.

West Australian products Liam Baker (Richmond) and Aaron Naughton (Western Bulldogs) also made the team, while no one from West Coast was selected.

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